‘Never Trump’ movement not giving up yet on eve of Republican convention

There is persistent chatter from Missouri Republican delegates here that there will be a final push to deny Donald Trump the nomination this week.

The “Never Trump” faction in Missouri is led by Carl Bearden, the former speaker pro tem of the Missouri House. Party officials said Sunday night that “five or six” Missouri delegates might make an attempt to convince their colleagues to abandon Trump and support an alternative on the floor.

But Bearden is believed to represent a small minority of the delegation and is given virtually no chance of success. The discussion in Missouri could come as early as Monday morning, when the delegation meets for breakfast.

One Republican said delegates were trying to avoid eye contact with Bearden as he button-holed delegates outside the ballroom of the convention hotel. Others pointed out the GOP’s Rules Committee crushed any “free the delegates” movement last week, ensuring Trump’s nomination.

A floor vote ratifying the rules could come as early as Monday. Trump is expected to be officially nominated Tuesday.