Ron Paul's Iowa maneuvers place GOP in awkward position

[Jim Lane]

26. I think the main purpose relates to the platform.

I have a vague recollection of reading that, if five state delegations propose a motion, it must be taken up by the entire Convention. If that's so, then Paul, by purloining majorities in five delegations where he didn't win the primary or caucus, could trot out a series of his pet positions. Even if all were voted down, it would be his chance to promote libertarianism on a national stage.

This could be great for us. Suppose the Convention has to vote on amending the platform to call for complete privatization of Social Security, or the restoration of the gold standard, or some such. Then Romney must tell his minions to vote for it (he'll look unacceptably wacko to the sensible people whose support he needs), or tell them to vote against it (he'll look unacceptably sensible to the wackos whose support he needs), or duck and say that his delegates are free to vote their consciences (he'll look like a wuss to everybody).