Question on Republican Primary process

[mackattack]

Originally asked by Johnny2X2X. http://www.democraticunderground.com/125125102#post9

I usually pretend I know the answers but my BS wouldn't work this time. Im sure fellow Duers know.

"I remember in the past that defeated candidates control their delegates. If this is true, then Romney if he doesn't get to 1144 will have to persuade one of the other candidates to pledge him the delegates that they have. If Romney does not get to 1144 then he wins nothing.

Also, couldn't Santorum and Newt strike a deal before the convention where they combine their delegates so one of them could win and the other is promised the VP?"

[former9thward]

1. Defeated candidates do not control their delegates.

How delegates vote (on the first ballot) are controlled by state party rules. Normally they have to vote for the candidate they were originally pledged to on the first ballot. After that they are released and on other ballots they can vote for whomever they want.