I created this page to compile information which may be useful to Ron Paul delegates.
It's been said that delegates may vote their conscience at the RNC (binding is a states' issue; RNC won't enforce it), but there may be consequences to doing so on the state and local levels. First ballot voting procedures at the RNC may also vary by state.
It would be prudent for delegates to research the constitutions, bylaws, rules or what-have-you of the Republican Party of their respective states, as well as the pertinent election laws of their respective states, so that they fully understand first ballot voting procedures and the possible consequences of abstaining or voting conscience during the first round of voting.
Despite speculation about penalties and the like, there is increasing evidence that states cannot punish delegates for voting conscience or abstaining.* Delegates should substantiate that for themselves.
It's incumbent upon delegates to procure the most current and official GOP bylaws for their states. I've tried to collect the most current bylaws below (whatever I could find online), but some may be outdated or unofficial. Please make the effort to verify on your own.
*Lawyers for Ron Paul announce that they are taking over the Ron Paul campaign, without the permission of the Ron Paul campaign, to strip Romney of all of his delegates, unbind all delegates and put Ron Paul in nomination.
*Facebook group "Lawyers for Ron Paul" claim that all delegates are unbound. Please see this video for more information.
*Lawyers For Ron Paul Civil Rights (Voting Rights) Lawsuit FAQ. Very important for delegates to view this video.
*Here's an informative article that claims delegates who vote consistent with RNC Rules cannot be punished by any state law.
*Here's an article worth reading entitled, "RNC Legal Counsel: Delegates are unbound, Ron Paul poised to win the nomination."
*Could Ron Paul Win First Ballot At GOP National Convention? According to this article, the answer is a definite "yes," because the "bound delegate" is a myth, and the delegates aren't bound to vote for any specific candidate on the first round of voting.
Sites related to Lawyers for Ron Paul:
Election Fraud Remedy
ronpaulgrassrootsrevolution.com
weareallronpaul.com
realgrassrootsrevolution.com
IMPORTANT: I saw this posted online, and it bears repeating: "Anyone who is a delegate not already bound to Ron Paul, and plans to vote their conscience or abstain, needs to consult a competent attorney with election law experience in their own state before going to the convention." DO NOT TAKE LEGAL ADVICE FROM ANY WEBSITE.
PERSONAL P.S.: This is NOT an attempt on my part to dissuade delegates from voting conscience or abstaining. On the contrary - I want delegates to do everything humanly possible to get Ron Paul the win! That's why I've compiled this info. The more informed delegates are, the more effective they will be on the floor of the RNC. However, delegates also have the right to know exactly what the potential legal ramifications are for their actions.
If delegates know the state-and-local-level consequences (should any exist), then they can weigh them carefully and make intelligent decisions which resonate with their deepest values and convictions. Also, if they consult an attorney expert in these matters, then they can really know what they are doing. Knowledge is indeed power. Go in with your eyes open. Go in prepared.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, parliamentarian or other expert in these matters. The above is my opinion and should not be construed as legal advice.
Having said that, here are some links which may be useful to Ron Paul delegates:
2012 RNC Delegate Summary
The Rules of the Republican Party (RNC Call for 2012)
Site with numerous excellent links including Roberts Rules of Order
The Real 2012 Delegate Count for the Republican Primaries & Caucuses (consistently updated)
Bylaws of the Republican Party by state (If you have links to updated bylaws for any state, please let me know):
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ALABAMA
http://algop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2012-revised-bylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ALASKA
http://alaskarepublicans.com/about-the-arp/party-rules/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARIZONA
http://azgop.org/uploads/Arizona_Republican_Party_Bylaws_Rev_2011_01_22.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARKANSAS
http://www.scribd.com/doc/50170232/Republican-Party-of-Arkansas-State-By-Laws
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
http://cagop.org/pdf/Standing_Rules_and_Bylaws_03-20-2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF COLORADO (Last amended 2007)
http://freedomcorpse.com/docs/Colorado%20Republican%20Party%20Bylaws%20%28v.%202007%29.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF CONNECTICUT
http://www.ct.gov/sots/LIB/sots/ElectionServices/tcrules/RSCC.pdf
RULES OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF DELAWARE
http://www.viewdocsonline.com/document/4amjvp
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA (Last amended 2008)
http://www.gopmarionfl.com/uploads/3/7/8/6/3786548/rpofpartyrules_2008.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF GEORGIA
http://www.gagop.org/documents/GRP%20RULES%20ADOPTED%2020110924.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF HAWAII
http://www.gophawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/HRP-Rules-2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IDAHO
http://idgop.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Idaho-GOP-Rules-March-20121.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ILLINOIS
http://www.digitalvictorycms.com/_uploaded/770881-ByLaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF INDIANA
http://www.indgop.org/ContentFiles/80/20112012%20State%20Committee%20Rules3.9.12.pdf
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA
http://iowagop.org/constitution.php
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KANSAS
http://ksgop.org/kansas-republican-party-constitution-2/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY
http://rpk.org/rpk-rules/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF LOUISIANA
http://lagop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RSCC-bylaws-3-31-12-Official.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MAINE
http://www.mainegop.com/about-2/rules-and-by-laws/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MARYLAND (Last amended 2007)
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MASSACHUSETTS
http://massgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MassGOP-Bylaws-2012.pdf
MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN PARTY PLAN FOR THE SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE TAMPA, FL 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION
http://massgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MA_Delegate_Selection_2012_FINAL_PDF.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN (Last amended 2006)
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/usa/MI/migopbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MINNESOTA (Last amended 2009)
http://www.mngop.com/pdfs/bylawsamended.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MISSISSIPPI
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?368235-Mississippi-Republican-Party-State-Bylaws-2008-%28amended-May-12-2011%29
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MISSOURI (Last amended 2007)
http://www.mogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mrsc_bylaws_07.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MONTANA
http://mtgop.org/resources/1/MT%20GOP%20Bylaws%20concerning%20National%20Convention%20Delegate%20Selection.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEBRASKA
http://negop.org/about/constitution/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEVADA (Last amended 2008)
http://www.nevadagop.org/about-the-gop/by-laws/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
http://www.nhgop.org/pages/detail/33
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW JERSEY (last amended 1994, but currently on NJGOP site)
http://www.njgop.org/about
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW MEXICO
http://www.gopnm.com/uploads/FileLinks/a693d714db594c2a95c61140fe1bfdbd/RPNM%20Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW YORK
http://newyorkcommitteemen.org/documents/reprules/Rep%20State%20Party%20Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NORTH CAROLINA
http://03481cf.netsolhost.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011-NCGOP-Plan-of-Organization.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NORTH DAKOTA
http://www.northdakotagop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Rules-and-Modes-3.30.12.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OHIO (Last amended 2009)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/30460103/Ohio-Republican-Party-State-Central-Committee-Bylaws
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OKLAHOMA
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/512354e730a88fee4fcc330f7/files/ORP_Rules___Amended_August_27__2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OREGON
http://www.oregonrepublicanparty.org/sites/default/files/ORP_Bylaws-Adopted_Feb_4_2012.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA (Last amended 2007)
http://vctpp.org/documents/2007RSCbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RHODE ISLAND (Last amended 2009)
http://ri-ra.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/riraby-laws09april09.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
http://www.scgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/SCGOP-Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SOUTH DAKOTA (Last amended 2007)
http://southdakotagop.com/pdf/SDGOP_BYLAWS.PDF
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TENNESSEE (Last amended 2003)
http://www.tennesseerader.com/republican/bylaws/TRP%20Bylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS
http://s3.amazonaws.com/texasgop_pre/assets/original/2011RPTRules_Amended.pdf
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF UTAH
http://utgop.org/pdf/Utah%20Republican%20Party%20Constitution.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF UTAH
http://www.cachegop.com/web/utahgopbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF VERMONT
http://vtgop.org/about-2/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF VIRGINIA
http://www.rpv.org/sites/default/files/Party%20Plan%20Amended%20November%202010%20without%20notes.pdf
CAUCUS & CONVENTION MANUAL FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WASHINGTON
http://www.wa4santorum.com/2012caucusmanual.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WEST VIRGINIA
http://www.wvgop.org/about/wvgop-by-laws/
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WISCONSIN
http://www.wisgop.org/sites/default/files/RPW-Constitution-Revised-2011_0.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WYOMING
http://wygop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012.bylaws.pdf
_________________________________________________________________________________________
It's been said that delegates may vote their conscience at the RNC (binding is a states' issue; RNC won't enforce it), but there may be consequences to doing so on the state and local levels. First ballot voting procedures at the RNC may also vary by state.
It would be prudent for delegates to research the constitutions, bylaws, rules or what-have-you of the Republican Party of their respective states, as well as the pertinent election laws of their respective states, so that they fully understand first ballot voting procedures and the possible consequences of abstaining or voting conscience during the first round of voting.
Despite speculation about penalties and the like, there is increasing evidence that states cannot punish delegates for voting conscience or abstaining.* Delegates should substantiate that for themselves.
It's incumbent upon delegates to procure the most current and official GOP bylaws for their states. I've tried to collect the most current bylaws below (whatever I could find online), but some may be outdated or unofficial. Please make the effort to verify on your own.
*Lawyers for Ron Paul announce that they are taking over the Ron Paul campaign, without the permission of the Ron Paul campaign, to strip Romney of all of his delegates, unbind all delegates and put Ron Paul in nomination.
*Facebook group "Lawyers for Ron Paul" claim that all delegates are unbound. Please see this video for more information.
*Lawyers For Ron Paul Civil Rights (Voting Rights) Lawsuit FAQ. Very important for delegates to view this video.
- The Federal Civil Voting Rights Complaint Documents which were recently filed on Monday, June 11, 2012 by Attorney Richard Gilbert on behalf of disenfranchised and injured Republican state and national delegates and alternate delegates in the U.S. 9th Circuit Southern District Court in Santa Ana, California.
*Here's an informative article that claims delegates who vote consistent with RNC Rules cannot be punished by any state law.
*Here's an article worth reading entitled, "RNC Legal Counsel: Delegates are unbound, Ron Paul poised to win the nomination."
*Could Ron Paul Win First Ballot At GOP National Convention? According to this article, the answer is a definite "yes," because the "bound delegate" is a myth, and the delegates aren't bound to vote for any specific candidate on the first round of voting.
Sites related to Lawyers for Ron Paul:
Election Fraud Remedy
ronpaulgrassrootsrevolution.com
weareallronpaul.com
realgrassrootsrevolution.com
IMPORTANT: I saw this posted online, and it bears repeating: "Anyone who is a delegate not already bound to Ron Paul, and plans to vote their conscience or abstain, needs to consult a competent attorney with election law experience in their own state before going to the convention." DO NOT TAKE LEGAL ADVICE FROM ANY WEBSITE.
PERSONAL P.S.: This is NOT an attempt on my part to dissuade delegates from voting conscience or abstaining. On the contrary - I want delegates to do everything humanly possible to get Ron Paul the win! That's why I've compiled this info. The more informed delegates are, the more effective they will be on the floor of the RNC. However, delegates also have the right to know exactly what the potential legal ramifications are for their actions.
If delegates know the state-and-local-level consequences (should any exist), then they can weigh them carefully and make intelligent decisions which resonate with their deepest values and convictions. Also, if they consult an attorney expert in these matters, then they can really know what they are doing. Knowledge is indeed power. Go in with your eyes open. Go in prepared.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, parliamentarian or other expert in these matters. The above is my opinion and should not be construed as legal advice.
Having said that, here are some links which may be useful to Ron Paul delegates:
2012 RNC Delegate Summary
The Rules of the Republican Party (RNC Call for 2012)
Site with numerous excellent links including Roberts Rules of Order
The Real 2012 Delegate Count for the Republican Primaries & Caucuses (consistently updated)
Bylaws of the Republican Party by state (If you have links to updated bylaws for any state, please let me know):
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ALABAMA
http://algop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/2012-revised-bylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ALASKA
http://alaskarepublicans.com/about-the-arp/party-rules/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARIZONA
http://azgop.org/uploads/Arizona_Republican_Party_Bylaws_Rev_2011_01_22.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ARKANSAS
http://www.scribd.com/doc/50170232/Republican-Party-of-Arkansas-State-By-Laws
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF CALIFORNIA
http://cagop.org/pdf/Standing_Rules_and_Bylaws_03-20-2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF COLORADO (Last amended 2007)
http://freedomcorpse.com/docs/Colorado%20Republican%20Party%20Bylaws%20%28v.%202007%29.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF CONNECTICUT
http://www.ct.gov/sots/LIB/sots/ElectionServices/tcrules/RSCC.pdf
RULES OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF DELAWARE
http://www.viewdocsonline.com/document/4amjvp
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF FLORIDA (Last amended 2008)
http://www.gopmarionfl.com/uploads/3/7/8/6/3786548/rpofpartyrules_2008.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF GEORGIA
http://www.gagop.org/documents/GRP%20RULES%20ADOPTED%2020110924.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF HAWAII
http://www.gophawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/HRP-Rules-2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IDAHO
http://idgop.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Idaho-GOP-Rules-March-20121.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF ILLINOIS
http://www.digitalvictorycms.com/_uploaded/770881-ByLaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF INDIANA
http://www.indgop.org/ContentFiles/80/20112012%20State%20Committee%20Rules3.9.12.pdf
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF IOWA
http://iowagop.org/constitution.php
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KANSAS
http://ksgop.org/kansas-republican-party-constitution-2/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF KENTUCKY
http://rpk.org/rpk-rules/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF LOUISIANA
http://lagop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RSCC-bylaws-3-31-12-Official.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MAINE
http://www.mainegop.com/about-2/rules-and-by-laws/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MARYLAND (Last amended 2007)
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MASSACHUSETTS
http://massgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MassGOP-Bylaws-2012.pdf
MASSACHUSETTS REPUBLICAN PARTY PLAN FOR THE SELECTION OF DELEGATES TO THE TAMPA, FL 2012 NATIONAL CONVENTION
http://massgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/MA_Delegate_Selection_2012_FINAL_PDF.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MICHIGAN (Last amended 2006)
http://www.campaignforliberty.com/usa/MI/migopbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MINNESOTA (Last amended 2009)
http://www.mngop.com/pdfs/bylawsamended.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MISSISSIPPI
http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?368235-Mississippi-Republican-Party-State-Bylaws-2008-%28amended-May-12-2011%29
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MISSOURI (Last amended 2007)
http://www.mogop.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mrsc_bylaws_07.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF MONTANA
http://mtgop.org/resources/1/MT%20GOP%20Bylaws%20concerning%20National%20Convention%20Delegate%20Selection.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEBRASKA
http://negop.org/about/constitution/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEVADA (Last amended 2008)
http://www.nevadagop.org/about-the-gop/by-laws/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE
http://www.nhgop.org/pages/detail/33
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW JERSEY (last amended 1994, but currently on NJGOP site)
http://www.njgop.org/about
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW MEXICO
http://www.gopnm.com/uploads/FileLinks/a693d714db594c2a95c61140fe1bfdbd/RPNM%20Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NEW YORK
http://newyorkcommitteemen.org/documents/reprules/Rep%20State%20Party%20Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NORTH CAROLINA
http://03481cf.netsolhost.com/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/2011-NCGOP-Plan-of-Organization.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF NORTH DAKOTA
http://www.northdakotagop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Rules-and-Modes-3.30.12.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OHIO (Last amended 2009)
http://www.scribd.com/doc/30460103/Ohio-Republican-Party-State-Central-Committee-Bylaws
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OKLAHOMA
http://gallery.mailchimp.com/512354e730a88fee4fcc330f7/files/ORP_Rules___Amended_August_27__2011.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF OREGON
http://www.oregonrepublicanparty.org/sites/default/files/ORP_Bylaws-Adopted_Feb_4_2012.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PENNSYLVANIA (Last amended 2007)
http://vctpp.org/documents/2007RSCbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RHODE ISLAND (Last amended 2009)
http://ri-ra.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/riraby-laws09april09.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
http://www.scgop.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/SCGOP-Rules.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF SOUTH DAKOTA (Last amended 2007)
http://southdakotagop.com/pdf/SDGOP_BYLAWS.PDF
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TENNESSEE (Last amended 2003)
http://www.tennesseerader.com/republican/bylaws/TRP%20Bylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF TEXAS
http://s3.amazonaws.com/texasgop_pre/assets/original/2011RPTRules_Amended.pdf
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF UTAH
http://utgop.org/pdf/Utah%20Republican%20Party%20Constitution.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF UTAH
http://www.cachegop.com/web/utahgopbylaws.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF VERMONT
http://vtgop.org/about-2/
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF VIRGINIA
http://www.rpv.org/sites/default/files/Party%20Plan%20Amended%20November%202010%20without%20notes.pdf
CAUCUS & CONVENTION MANUAL FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WASHINGTON
http://www.wa4santorum.com/2012caucusmanual.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WEST VIRGINIA
http://www.wvgop.org/about/wvgop-by-laws/
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WISCONSIN
http://www.wisgop.org/sites/default/files/RPW-Constitution-Revised-2011_0.pdf
BYLAWS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY OF WYOMING
http://wygop.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2012.bylaws.pdf
_________________________________________________________________________________________