Many Missouri Trump delegates aren't his supporters
(AP) — Donald Trump earned 37 of Missouri's 52 delegates to the Republican National Convention when he won the March 15 primary, but as the state party began selecting delegates on Saturday, the New York businessman can't count on that level of support unless he clinches a first-ballot nomination.
State GOP rules provide that 25 of the 52 delegates will be selected at a state convention in three weeks.
Trump theoretically earned 15 congressional district delegates, but state Republican leaders say just six of those selected are Trump supporters.
Despite winning more states than his rivals, Trump's campaign team has been outplayed by Cruz's in the intricate game of ensuring that supportive delegates make it to the convention.
Many in the Republican establishment have fought hard to stop Trump, worried his nomination will help elect another Democrat to the White House, and perhaps even help Democrats win back control of the Senate.
Detractors point to Trump's disparaging comments about women and minorities that have contributed to high unfavorable ratings.