Help & Info For Your State

www.ronpaul2008.com actually has the rules for each state and the convention process quite prominently displayed. I've found it incredibly helpful to educate myself regarding certain states which seem to particularly be in contention.

For instance, for Texas:

Delegates to the state convention will caucus by congressional district to select delegates to the Republican National Convention Sept. 1-4, 2008 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Nominees must agree to the pledge to the Presidential candidate on whose slate the delegated is nominated until the candidate is nominated or until the delegate is released from the pledge (See Republican Party of Texas Rule 38, Sec. 10) At-large delegates are uncommitted and may vote as they choose on all questions and candidates present at the National Convention.

Section 10. Pledge of Delegates and Alternates.
a. Commitment to Candidate: By assenting to nomination on a Presidential candidate’s slate, each delegate and alternate representing a Presidential candidate becomes pledged to the Presidential candidate on whose slate the delegate and alternate is nominated in accordance with subsection (b) of this section.
b. Length of Commitment: A person who is elected as a delegate or alternate to the National Convention on the slate of a Presidential candidate by the State Convention to represent that particular Presidential candidate at the National Convention and who does not resign from the position is pledged to support that Presidential candidate at the National Convention until the candidate is nominated or until the delegate or alternate is released from the pledges as follows:

1. First nomination convention ballot: delegate or alternate shall be released from the pledge only in the event of death, withdrawal, or by decision of the candidate.
2. Second nomination convention ballot: delegate or alternate may be released from the pledge by decision of the candidate;
3. Third nominating convention ballot: delegate or alternate shall be released from the pledge if the candidate has failed to receive twenty percent (20%) or more of the total vote cast on the preceding ballot; or by the decision of the candidate;
4. Fourth and subsequent nominating convention ballots: delegates and alternates are released from any pledge.
c. Uncommitted Delegates: Uncommitted delegates and alternates may vote as they choose on all questions and candidates presented at the National Convention.

This section of Texas' rules is also echoed on their application to become a delegate.

What is the punishment for not abiding by your "bound" status through the required number of rounds? *That varies by state* and I would hope anyone voting against binding will consider both the tangible sanctions potentially enforced against them, and the implications of a "dishonest" segment of the population who just happen to represent Dr. Paul.

The basic point: there are resources out there. People took the time to assemble the facts. You are smart enough to read them and digest them all by yourself :D I have faith in that.