Votes for Edwards, Thompson, and Romney Will Be Counted

Terry Orlander reports in The Plain Dealer today of the five presidential dropouts on the ballot, votes for two (Dennis Kucinich and Rudy Giuliani) will not be counted, but votes for the other three (John Edwards, Mitt Romney, and Fred Thompson) will be tallied because they never formally withdrew from the primary. The latter three are eligible to be awarded delegates if they win 15% of the vote in any congressional district.

Before you laugh, consider that the Ohio Poll released on February 25th showed Edwards with 19% support in southeastern Ohio (he was at 9% statewide). That part of the state includes all or most of the 6th and 18th congressional districts. On the GOP side, the poll showed Romney with 17% support in central Ohio (also 9% statewide). That region presumably includes all or much of the 7th, 12th, and 15th districts. If those voters don't switch their allegiance, Edwards and Romney could actually pick up delegates.