His decision to leave the company may have shocked his dancers, but Mr. Canfield, 42, has never let convention rule his life.

These challenges may be exacerbated if the naming convention rules are internally inconsistent, arbitrary, difficult to remember, or otherwise perceived as more burdensome than beneficial.

Under convention rules, however, nomination required the vote of a candidate's state delegation as a unit.

The convention was regarded as the first "National Convention" as permanent convention rules were adopted during this time.

However, the convention rules required a two-thirds majority to approve a nomination.

But if he can't, convention rules provide for the selection of an alternative candidate.

Secondly, the convention rules had been drawn up so that whoever won the majority of delegates from a given state would win all the votes from that state.

Reagan's supporters then sought to amend the convention rules so that Gerald R. Ford would be required to name his vice presidential running mate in advance as well.

The book included biographies of the guests, a map of the hotel, a schedule of the weekend's events and general convention rules.

The move to suspend the convention rules would come after the vote total was announced.