Cleveland (AP) -Donald Trump’s supporters have succeeded in heading off a state-by-state roll call vote on the rules that will govern the GOP’s national convention.
Anti-Trump delegates collected signatures on petitions calling for the vote.
They had support from a majority of the delegates in nine states — two more than needed.
But Rep. Steve Womack — who was chairing the proceedings — said from the podium that delegates from three states withdrew their signatures. He then declared that the effort had fallen short.
Womack took the unusual step of calling for two separate voice votes. He declared the pro-Trump delegates victorious both times.
In other afternoon action at the convention, House Speaker Paul Ryan has been officially elected chairman of the Republican National Convention.
The Wisconsin lawmaker was elected on a quick voice vote with no opposition.
Ryan will now preside over the convention to nominate Donald Trump as the Republican nominee for president.
Ryan has had an uneasy relationship with Trump. He endorsed the billionaire businessman but has criticized some of Trump’s rhetoric.