The above is a screenshot from the Vermont Republican Party’s Rules.
Oopsie.
Unfortunate to have put that down on paper and formally adopted it, when the VTGOP is on the verge of nominating a presidential candidate recently found guilty of 34 felonies.
This might trigger an emergency state committee meeting to rewrite the rules or erase this particular one, but the party does have a couple work-arounds available, both of which would involve the sort of embarrassment that parties customarily do their level best to avoid. Of course, the Republican Party of the Trump era is a completely different beast, apparently immune (through repeated exposure) to political embarrassment.
The first option is the Pharisaical. Trump isn’t technically a convicted felon until his sentencing. However, sentencing is scheduled for shortly before the Republican Convention. After that, Trump will be a convicted felon.
The second is a more helpful escape hatch. It’s rule #2 in this section.
The Executive Committee, by majority vote, may exempt a candidate from Rule 16-1 under extenuating circumstances.
“Extenuating circumstances” could presumably include “Well, he might be a felon, but he’s our felon.” VTGOP leadership might feel a slight shiver emanating from their consciences if they resort to rule #2, but I’m guessing they will go right on ahead. After all, the overwhelming reaction of Republican leaders everywhere is to dismiss Trump’s conviction as a sham.
There’s no evidence to support this assertion, but that won’t stop them from making it. And it won’t stop their delegates from voting for Trump at the convention.
Still, it will be amusing — not to mention telling — that the VTGOP Executive Committee will be forced to take this stand on the record. They will be forced to state that their rules don’t apply to Donald Trump. They will have to explain why we should take them seriously as the party of Law ‘n Order when they are willing to suspend or ignore their own rules for the sake of the Orange Turd.
Hey, at least it might force Gov. Phil Scott to once again distance himself from his own party. That’s always good for a laugh.
The Vermont Political Observer. 
This should be front-page news. Too bad we don’t have any front pages of any merit.
So far the reality that Trump is a PROVEN rapist (see below) has not stopped the VTGOP from latching onto his leg with the gusto of a male dog on the owner of a female dog in heat. I don’t see why more proof of his business fraud, election fraud, and blatant lying will matter one iota to Governor Phil Scott’s freely chosen political party.
(trigger warning: these court decisions contain extremely graphic and blunt descriptions)
“Consequently, the fact that Mr. Trump sexually abused – indeed, raped – Ms. Carroll has been conclusively established and is binding in this case.” See page 13 of the Judge’s decision … https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.543790/gov.uscourts.nysd.543790.252.0.pdf
More questions about Donald J. Trump being a rapist? See the Judge’s opinion at https://news.justia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Memorandum-Opinion-Denying-Defendants-Rule-59-Motion.pdf
maybe leave these vtgop boobies to foul their own nest. because it’s looking like the real fight shaping up is State of Vermont v Alliance Defending Freedom. ADF just filed yet another suit against the state (6 and counting?), this time against DCF (Winters, Radke & Edmonds) in re LGBTQ+ requirements for prospective foster families.