Ron Paul Convention Delegates Accuse Security Of Suppressing Their Signs

Rep. Ron Paul speaks to a supporter from Texas at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Aug. 28, 2012. (Photo credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/GettyImages)

TAMPA, Fla. -- After protesting on the floor at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Ron Paul delegates on Wednesday accused convention security guards of confiscating their signs in support of the former presidential candidate in order to bolster the image of official nominee Mitt Romney.

Mike Zentz, an alternate delegate for Paul from Honolulu, told The Huffington Post that private security guards hired by the convention first told Paul's legion of supporters that "all outside signs" were prohibited from being brought into the Tampa Bay Times Forum. But as soon as the delegates crossed the entry point, scores of convention volunteers were handing out signs in support of Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan.

According to Zentz, one Nevada delegate managed to make it past the guards with a paper sign, no more than two feet in length, and held it proudly when a camera zoomed in on the state's delegation during Tuesday's roll call vote to formally nominate Romney.

"As soon as the camera moved on, security came and confiscated the sign aggressively," said Zentz. "But that was a state that was won by Ron Paul, and they were simply showing their support for their state's nominee."

While this was taking place, Romney signs continued to be distributed inside the forum and on the floor.

Andres Mukk, the lead Paul delegate from Hawaii, said security didn't spare a small mouse pad. As soon as guards spotted a delegate waving the mouse pad at a camera, they took it away.

The convention "has been a scripted media event to coronate Mitt Romney," said Mukk. "I'm lucky our buttons haven't been confiscated yet."

Zentz said such censorship would only worsen the already contentious relationship between Paul's supporters and the Republican Party.

Republican officials have maintained that the party remains united and that the protests from Paul supporters have little consequence for Romney's chances in the general election.

"A few people squawking in the back does not cause division," said Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) at a luncheon on Wednesday. "I can't predict how people are going to vote, but I don't think it's a big deal."

Neither Zentz nor Mukk agreed with that assessment. Both noted that no Paul supporter is bound to cast a vote for Romney in November. And they argued that the GOP's repeated attempts to silence their voices on a stage intended to unify the party would only create more distance between them and the Republican presidential ticket.

"They're violating the integrity of their own process," Zentz said. "What's the point of the convention if they won't listen to the voice of their own people? We may as well just ask the RNC to pick the nominee from now on."

A Republican National Committee spokesman wasn't immediately available for comment.

Loading Slideshow

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, left and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates after his speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan and his wife Janna salute delegates following Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Behind is Mitt Romney and his wife Ann. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney hugs a supporter as he walks to the stage during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney makes his way through delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, cheers as Olympians are introduced during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, right, and his wife Janna applaud during Florida Senator Marco Rubio's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, right, along with Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, applaud during Florida Senator Marco Rubio's speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Marco Rubio

  Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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• Frantz Placide and Sean Duffy, center, listen to Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, left, as he speaks during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Jeb Bush

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• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista walk onto the stage to speak to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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• Senator Scott Brown, R-Mass., answers questions during a press conference in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Protesters yell as Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• A delegate holds up a mask of Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Jeb Bush

  FILE In this Aug. 27, 2012 file photo, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush looks at the convention floor from the podium during a microphone check at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Paul Ryan

  Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan waves toward the delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Paul Ryan

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• Sam Ryan yawns in his mother's arms while Janna listen to her husband Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. Right is Charlie Ryan. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Comments

[pecosdave]

04:08 AM on 11/11/2012

"A few people squawking in the back does not cause division," said Gov. John Kasich (R-Ohio) at a luncheon on Wednesday. "I can't predict how people are going to vote, but I don't think it's a big deal."

I have a patented device that allows one to extract ones foot from their mouth. How may I go about contacting this Mr. Kasich?

[livebeyondhate]

02:07 PM on 09/01/2012

The Republican Party is about making money. When Ron Paul wasn't giving into their plans, he had to go. Simple.

[Ry Martin]

03:36 PM on 08/31/2012

We have footage. There is no accusation, it's factual proof.

The people were ignored by RNC leaders where they screamed "nay". The people lost their signs and ron paul possessions.

A disgrace, farce and utter lack of respect to the final bid of a government career for Ron Paul.

Shame on you RNC. SHAME.

[4RONPAUL2012]

04:27 PM on 08/31/2012

You are absolutely right RY!!! I am from Nevada, went to the county convention as a Ron Paul supporter, and am furious at the treatment of the Nevada Delegates! Thank you for saying it!

[Karen Huffman]

08:17 AM on 08/31/2012

Just read a few articles that I recommend to you Ron Paul leaning folks, at Lew Rockwell web site. Scathing, historical, and sometimes hysterical commentary of the GOP. The New American as well as Infowars posted new articles and I suggest we take the advice of the speakers. Move along but in the direction of a more economic posture rather than merely political. Prepare.

[sixtoes]

11:20 PM on 08/30/2012

I'm just starting to get Republican literature at my house requesting donations to Mitt and the RNC. See, I re-registered as a Repub so I could vote for RP in the primaries, and my significant other has always been a Repub, so we're getting double the amount.

After removing every identifying mark on the paper, I return it in the pre-paid envelope. My own little protest. That's not illegal or anything, is it? Imagine if hundreds of thousands did that. Would cost them a lot of money in pre-paid postage and staff to open the envelopes.

[Sara Devine]

01:47 PM on 09/03/2012

Bravo, sixtoes. I do the same thing, and often write them a nasty little note to boot. They only pay if you mail it back, so mail it back, everyone!

[Vote Real - Vote Paul 20]

08:48 PM on 08/30/2012

There are videos all over the web that prove these "accusation" are indeed true. But what did I expect, Politico isn't know primarily for it's fine journalists, impeccable integrity, and fair unbiased reporting..., in my book their known for their Hit-Pieces. Thank You for Not Disappointing! HACK

[Bradley Helm]

08:01 PM on 08/30/2012

I never understood why libertarians would want to vote for a Republican who only has libertarian leanings at best, when there a perfectly great Libertarian candidate in Gary Johnson.

[sixtoes]

11:32 PM on 08/30/2012

Because people don't entirely trust third parties, and that is by design, thanks to our corrupt media and corrupt political system. You're to choose the lesser of two evils from one of the two approved parties.

[toothlesssteve]

09:23 AM on 08/31/2012

Gary Johnson got my vote. Do not reward the RNC for there misdeeds
Peace to all
Stephen Schweter

[Justinius Maximus]

03:46 PM on 11/12/2012

I thought so too until I heard Johnson advocate abolishing corporate taxes altogether during one of his debates with Jill Stein. That was enough to convince me to vote Green Party for President, though there was the added incentive that voting Green stood the chance of pushing the party over some magical 5% threshold that apparently unlocks government funds for the party. I read an article about it but haven't thoroughly researched all the nuances. Alas, the Green Party still didn't secure 5%. :-/

[jllundqu]

06:01 PM on 08/30/2012

I am a Ron Paul supporter. I will not vote for the current war criminal in office, nor will I vote for the future war criminal in waiting.

Paul's supporters make up approx 8-10% of the party. Expect Romney to lose by about 8-10% in November.

Obama/Romney are both everything wrong with this government. They both want to tell you what you must do, whay you must eat, what you must buy, what you must pay, who you can marry, whay you can do with your own body, etc. Two sides of the same statist/facist coin. If a person does not think the government should have any real limits on the size and scope of its power, how is this different from absolute tyranny?

[Nick SketchCat Wilson]

07:26 PM on 08/30/2012

That's because they're both puppets in a grander scheme of pocket lining.

[Scott Michael Labenski]

07:45 PM on 08/30/2012

I AM VOTING JOHNSON, BUT I WOULD LOVE TO DRINK THE TEARS OF THE REPUBLICANS IF THEY LOST BY THE MARGIN OF VOTERS THAT WERE RON PAUL PEOPLE THAT DECIDED TO VOTE OBAMA OR JOHNSON.....IT WOULD BE VERY GOOD FOR LIBERTY LOVERS IN 2016 AN DBEYOND. Because what is the difference between obama and romney, really? None.

[sixtoes]

11:34 PM on 08/30/2012

That's what I say. Good luck winning without Ron Paul's supporters, Mittens!

[Motter Contest]

03:13 PM on 08/30/2012

Can I ask why you title this article "Ron Paul Convention Delegates Accuse Security Of Suppressing Their Signs" instead of saying "Ron Paul Delegates Have Their Signs Suppressed by Security" - I fail to see how any of this is an accussation when there is direct video evidence of it.

[jllundqu]

06:02 PM on 08/30/2012

It's an article about Ron Paul! What do you expect? A fair report based on truth??? HAHAHAHAHHAH!!!!! FOOL!!!!!!

[j lll]

07:42 AM on 11/22/2012

I thought the article-title was actually somewhat fair... relative to most headlines involving Ron Paul during 2012. http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-august-15-2011/indecision-2012---corn-polled-edition---ron-paul---the-top-tier Point being, the video evidence *might* have been some kind of CGI simulation, or *maybe* the persons depicted in the video wearing official RNC intern regalia and in the official floor security dress-code were *actually* sophisticated imposters, or whatever. Right? Sigh...

At least there *was* a title, rather than no title, no article, no coverage, media blackout. Along the same lines, despite the wishy-washy headline, at least the content wasn't a smear-piece, with the title something like "Heroic but troubled Romney supporters finally step forward, say nasty shenanigans by evil insurgent Ron Paul fanatics will give Obama four more years". Of course, in reality Obama *did* get four more years, despite his paltry 60m votes... tied with Kerry despite much larger population.

Did the pauliticians really cause Mitt's loss? Pretty much: the repub turnout was only 58m, lower than McCain, lower than Bush2nd, and nowhere *near* enough to beat Obama, or even ho-hum Kerry for that matter. Most pauliticians stayed home, ~1m voted for Gary Johnson, some uncounted number wrote in Ron Paul. (Many of the strongest social conservatives also stayed home, as well as just everyday republicans -- not very many repubs truly *wanted* the establishment-pick moderate as their nominee. Hmmmmmmm.)

[Drugs not Hugs]

02:23 PM on 08/30/2012

Warning! If your opinion differs from the republican mainline you will be (insert negative verb).

[Drugs not Hugs]

02:24 PM on 08/30/2012

You will be Ron Pauled.

[Nick SketchCat Wilson]

07:28 PM on 08/30/2012

Permanent new verb for my vocabulary. Thank you.

[Drugs not Hugs]

02:22 PM on 08/30/2012

There's a shocker...

[fehc]

01:23 PM on 08/30/2012

States that went pauls way were also put in the rafters and that swhy yousaw the marianas up front! If they will do this to their own imagine what they will do to you! ( dont imagine look at legislation)!

[yankeetwo]

01:00 PM on 08/30/2012

See? The Republicans are ALREADY committing VIOLENCE against anyone with a slightly different opinion than theirs. What should we expect if we put them in the White House???

[RAWone]

03:58 PM on 08/30/2012

Just imagine, they will have the NDAA to justify their actions too! Not only is Romney a fan of indefinite detention, but Paul Ryan voted for it! Obama signed it, so your only real choice if you want to avoid such a thing is to VOTE FOR RON PAUL!

-RAW1

[toothlesssteve]

09:31 AM on 08/31/2012

I post this often ,in my state in order for a write vote to count the Canidate had to request to be written in,to date Dr.Ron Paul has not done so. He has to 10/15/12 to do so. Plan B I will vote Gary Johnson at least he will be on the Ballet.
Peace to all
Stephen Schweter

[Donn Bryant]

12:14 PM on 08/31/2012

No, even Ron Paul would admit a vote for him would not help the cause in the November elections (the MSM wouldn't report that vote anyway). But Gary Johnson supported Ron Paul in 2008, I was in Minneapolis and saw him. He spoke out just recently about how his positions on the issues support everything Ron Paul stands for. Gary Johnson can get into the presidential debates if we support him. The debates and Gary Johnson could do more for our movement than voting a write in for Paul in November. Voting for Johnson in November will show people that this movement is serious. He might not win but it could be a spring board to 2016. If I can't support Romney and Obama is out, why not vote for the other guy that is on the ballot in all 50 states, vote Gary Johnson 2012!!!!!

[Liteworkr]

11:46 AM on 08/30/2012

Whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government" - The Declaration of Independence
The left needs to stop being so brainwashed.
Ron Paul would have been the one to bring back respect and dignity to our country. But you listen to the media owned by the very people who enslave us.
The left attacks everything that made the USA stand above all other countries, you guys attack the peace candidate, the only one who has love for us and our country. Paul does not want money. He does not want power. He simply wants us to be able to give our children something better.
Now the establishment is not even trying to hide its tyranny.
Wake up you establishment zombies before we turn into North Korea.

[irie1029]

11:30 AM on 08/30/2012

Here is my take on it... Vote for the better man in your opinion not what others tell you or the absolute bologna the MSM feeds you for their chosen ones. I think that Andriana is onto something by keeping it away from soundbites and twisted "facts" Just the hoopla about GM and when it Janesville really closed my gosh.