The idea of finding a consensus nominee outside the Republican Party’s 2016 candidate pool won’t disappear, and neither will the massive hurdles for any such effort, according to NBC News.
If no one clinches the nomination after the first round, the stalemated delegates could move in to break the deadlock. According to party rules, most of the delegates can vote for whomever they choose after the first round, which can open up the possibility for a candidate not currently running to be the nominee.
Trump and Cruz’s unpopularity among the establishment has led to the idea of a "savior candidate." Last week, one in three GOP voters said they would abandon the party if either candidate becomes the nominee.
But even if another candidate is chosen, he or she would face logistical challenges facing a Democratic candidate who’s raised money and deployed a ground operation.
Paul Ryan said Tuesday he will not run for president.
