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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spin Control

McCain forces continue to win parliamentary fights

A series of votes on a seemingly small matter -- whether to adopt the convention's rules -- bogged down in a series of motions and votes.

The supporters of Sen. John McCain seemed to have the upper hand, albeit slightly, winning majority votes to postpone a vote on the rules, hold roll call votes on their motions.

There were calls for questions, points of order and points of information.

At one point, State Chairman Luke Esser, who's serving as the convention's temporary chairman, got confused and said the Ayes had a close vote, then reversed himself to say the No's had it.

Paul supporters are getting somewhat disgruntled. One from Spokane said: "Mr. Esser I don't know if you are a member of Acorn, but these tactics are reminiscent of the Gregoire campaign."

Them's fighting words. Click for explainer.



The Spokesman-Review's political team keeps a critical eye on local, state and national politics.