The Begin to Gather. Republicans Convene This Weekend to Nominate Candidates.

Months of persuading, cajoling and maneuvering by Republican candidates and their supporters reaches its traditional crescendo as delegates gather at a casino to place their bets on a winning ticket. The odds for Connecticut Republicans on victory–even after eight years of Democrat Dannel P. Malloy–remain formidable.

The iron law of numbers in the marquee race for governor will see some candidates eliminated on the first ballot if the rules adopted at the convention require 8% for a candidate to proceed to the second ballot. Mark Boughton, a familiar figure to delegates, seems to have been gathering sufficient momentum to win the party endorsement as the herd thins. A political convention in Connecticut does require some caveats. Delegates may have promised their vote to more than one candidate, but only get to cast one vote on each ballot. It can lead to some uncomfortable moments in and out of the convention hall. Also, stampedes to and away from candidates do happen.

If the roll call for lieutenant governor is held before the one for governor, some candidates who know they will not win the 15% required for a spot on the August primary ballot may want to consider their positions.

Logistics may be a challenge. A casino offers many diversions from the business of a political convention, which can become tedious for socially-inclined delegates. Delegates must be in their seats, not at gambling tables or slot machines, when their vote is cast by the chair of the delegations. Mischievous opponents may object to the casting of votes from delegates not in the convention hall.

This year, towns in the Second Congressional District are called first in each roll call.

Self-funders Bob Stefanowski and David Stemerman will collect signatures from registered Republicans to add their names and cash stashes to the primary competition.

Congressional district nominating conventions are scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.