Norquist: GOP Should Let Paul Speak at Convention

Writing in the British Guardian, anti-tax activist Grover Norquist said Republicans will have no choice but to let Rep. Ron Paul speak at the GOP convention. Paul's positions -- especially his views on foreign policy and America's "empire" abroad -- have alienated many in the GOP establishment.

Here's what Norquist wrote:

"There will be no more surprises in the 2012 Republican race for the presidential nomination. After New Hampshire we know the following: Mitt Romney will be the Republican nominee; Jon Huntsman's strategy of putting all his eggs in the New Hampshire basket did not work well; Ron Paul, who came in second in New Hampshire, will not win the GOP nomination.

"However, Ron Paul is the only candidate for the Republican nomination whose endorsement will matter to Mitt Romney. It is the only endorsement that will bring votes and the only endorsement, if withheld, that could cost Romney the general election.

"If Ron Paul speaks at the GOP convention (as he was not invited to do in 2008), the party will be united and Romney will win in November 2012. If Ron Paul speaks only at his own rally in Tampa, Florida (as happened at the 2008 GOP convention in Minnesota) the party will not be at full strength.

"Gingrich, Santorum and Rick Perry divided up 20% of the New Hampshire vote – less than either Romney or Ron Paul received. They will now divide the non-Romney, non-Ron Paul vote in South Carolina.

"Unless something else happens."