Splintered GOP may try to find loophole to avoid Trump

LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) - The Republican Party is on a collision course ahead of the upcoming National Convention in Cleveland. Donald Trump won enough delegates the clinch the nomination but that hasn't stopped many in the GOP from looking for loopholes.

The Republican party is divided: some are trying to block Trump from securing the nomination during the convention - but others contend he won it fair and square. So what will happen in Cleveland?

The national GOP party chair argues that Trump deserves the nomination because he was the last man standing after a grueling round of primary fights.

Former Michigan GOP chair Saul Anuzis was a strong backer of defeated candidate Ted Cruz. He contends that once the gavel is banged to start the convention, there are no rules.

"Technically there are no rules at the convention once the gavel's been banged. so its a free for all theoretically," Anuzis said. "Not only could it be blocked, then but it could be blocked afterwards."

The movement to block Trump is so strong, somebody has even written a book on how to "unbound" the delegates. Simultaneously, a splinter group hopes to raise $2.5 million to run commercials urging GOP delegates to do whatever they want in Cleveland.

When first told of this effort, Rick Johnson, the first Republican to endorse Mr. Trump in Michigan, said everyone was nuts.

"The people that are nuts are those ones who are out there trying to create a story," Johnson said. "I think they're totally off their you know what."

Anuzis says the unbound rule has been part of the convention rules for years. Johnson concedes it could happen, but it won't.

"There could be a moment like that but there are solid Trump people that are on the rules committee. Solid Trump people serve as delegates going in. This is going to be a solid Trump convention." Johnson said.

Democrats are elated. They contend the differences between their two candidates pales in comparison to the civil war unfolding the GOP.

"I honestly believe they have more problems there.  Why is sanders there?  I think he's sticking around because he's thinking Clinton gets indicted," Johnson said.

Anuzis admits that, at the end of the day, the rules fight is a long shot.

"This is a very long shot proposition,"Anuzis said.