The reality of a contested convention By: Luis Ceja

In the news there's been a lot of talk about a contested convention in july for the GOP. So what exactly does that mean. Well when the convention occurs the candidates come with their delegates. they need 1,237 delegates to win the nomination. Currently though it is extremely unlikely that any of the candidates we'll have the necessary delegates at the convention to outright win. So when the the convention begins everyone makes their speech and the first vote happens with everyone already knowing who their voting for. When there isn't a nominee with the clear majority of delegates the convention is required to go to a second vote. At that point it becomes a bidding war. With the nominees vying for the support of the delegates at the convention. This is where having a strong well connected ground game is important. So you can make a convincing argument to as many delegates as possible. Knowing the delegates personally always helps as well. Then on to the second ballot where 10% of the delegates are untied from their requirements to vote for those who represented them. This means that someone close to winning can make the closing their chance to unify the party. If someone else starts picking up the delegates then the later they can go and the better chance at a nomination for hem is ahead.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/what-happens-if-theres-no-clear-gop-nominee/