Delegates Unbound is an American non-profit political organization established in 2016. According to the organization, the group is "working to bring long term reform to the

Republican Party Republican Party is a name used by many political parties around the world, though the term most commonly refers to the United States' Republican Party. Republican Party may also refer to: Africa *Republican Party (Liberia) *Republican Party ...

." The group also states that its "primary focus" is educating delegates to the

2016 Republican National Convention The 2016 Republican National Convention, in which delegates of the United States Republican Party chose the party's nominees for president and vice president in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, was held July 18–21, 2016, at Quicken Loa ...

"that they are unbound and free to vote as they see fit on all matters before the

Republican National Convention The Republican National Convention (RNC) is a series of presidential nominating conventions held every four years since 1856 by the United States Republican Party. They are administered by the Republican National Committee. The goal of the Repu ...

, including whomever they wish to be the Republican nominee for

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" in the

2016 presidential election This national electoral calendar for 2016 lists the national/federal elections held in 2016 in all sovereign states and their dependent territories. By-elections are excluded, though national referendums are included. January *7 January: Kirib ...

Overview

In June 2016, activists

Eric O'Keefe Eric O'Keefe (born March 11, 1961) is an American author, editor, and journalist based in Texas. His most recent book is the Palm Beach polo murder mystery ''The Perfect 10''. He authored the book '' The Cup'' and co-wrote the screenplay for the ...

and Dane Waters formed Delegates Unbound, which

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described as "an effort to convince delegates that they have the authority and the ability to vote for whomever they want." The group is a

501(c)(4) A 501(c) organization is a nonprofit organization in the federal law of the United States according to Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. § 501(c)) and is one of over 29 types of nonprofit organizations exempt from some federal income taxes. ...

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...

. Delegates Unbound published a book, ''Unbound: The Conscience of a Republican Delegate'', written by Republican delegates

Curly Haugland Erling George Haugland, known as Curly Haugland, is an American politician and businessman. He has served as the Republican National Committeeman for North Dakota since 1999. Haugland was elected chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party in 19 ...

and Sean Parnell. The book, funded by the

Citizens in Charge Foundation The Citizens in Charge Foundation (CCF) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that advocates in favor of direct democracy. It was founded by libertarian activist Paul Jacob who has served as its president since its founding in 2001. Activiti ...

, argues that "delegates are not bound to vote for any particular candidate based on primary and caucus results, state party rules, or even state law." According to the group, "There is no language supporting binding in the temporary rules of the convention, which are the only rules that matter" and "barring any rules changes at the convention, delegates can vote their conscience on the first ballot." The group's co-founder, Eric O'Keefe, said, "Our goal is simple, to ensure the delegates are not misled to believe they must follow orders or rules set by others." O'Keefe added that he believes state laws and state party rules purporting to bind delegates to a particular candidate based on primary or

caucus A caucus is a meeting of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement. The exact definition varies between different countries and political cultures. The term originated in the United States, where it can refer to a meeting ...

results are unenforceable and would lose a court challenge. Delegates Unbound began airing national television advertisements in late June 2016. The group's first advertisement spliced together clips of President Ronald Reagan and

Donald Trump Donald John Trump (born June 14, 1946) is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of ...

and urged Republican delegates to follow their consciences. The group planned to spend $2.5 million to $3.5 million on education and anti-Trump efforts.

References

External links

* {{official website, http://www.delegatesunbound.com
Delegates Unbound advertisement "Follow Your Conscience"
Political movements in the United States Non-profit organizations based in the United States 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations Republican Party (United States) organizations 2016 United States Republican presidential primaries United States presidential nominating conventions Never Trump movement

Overview

See also

References

External links