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RNC rules mean Gingrich and Paul may be just about finished as viable candidates

According to this item [1], Republican National Committee rules may have just about closed the door on both Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul as viable presidential candidates:

…an RNC rule stipulating that candidates seeking the nomination must have won a plurality of votes in at least five states could complicate Gingrich’s already far-fetched strategy. RNC rule No. 40 states:

Nominations(b) Each candidate for nomination for President of the United States and Vice President of the United States shall demonstrate the support of a plurality of the delegates from each of five (5) or more states, severally, prior to the presentation of the name of that candidate for nomination.

RNC Chairman Reince Preibus issued a stern warning to the candidates to that end this morning on the Daily Rundown.

“It’s an important rule,” he said. “So when these candidates are adding up their delegates or when people out there have a particular issue that they would like to move at the convention, they had better make sure they at least have a plurality of five states to make these things happen.”

The article goes on to note that there is a remote chance Gingrich and Paul could still be put into nomination from the floor. But with Gingrich claiming only two victories, Paul none, and the number of states yet to hold caucuses or primaries dwindling [2], the question becomes when, not if, one or both men decide to pack it in.