Paul discourages backers from staging coup

BOISE (AP) — Ron Paul's campaign is discouraging the libertarian-leaning Republican's Idaho backers from staging a hostile GOP takeover.

The Idaho Statesman reports Paul issued a press release rejecting grassroots activists' efforts to award the state's GOP convention delegates to the Texas congressman, not Mitt Romney, who won March 6 caucus.

That's after Ron Paul supporter Ryan Davidson suggested loyalists could win enough precinct committee races in Tuesday's primary election to accomplish just that.

Paul's national campaign manager John Tate on Thursday condemned efforts to expand Paul's influence when these activities are couched as vengeful, underhanded, or markedly distasteful.

Davidson declined to comment, saying he was preparing a statement.

News of Davidson's activities that emerged last week has prompted Romney supporters in Idaho to focus more on the primary and precinct races.