Trump's guilty verdicts could impact July's RNC in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Former President Donald Trump's 34 felony convictions could have a significant impact in Wisconsin.

Trump is scheduled to be sentenced July 11, just days before the Republican National Convention kicks off in Milwaukee.

The political ramifications of the guilty verdicts will be measured in polls over the coming days, but the legal case could affect what transpires in Milwaukee.

Republicans both nationally and locally were quick to rally around the former president Thursday afternoon, May 30, calling the trial a sham and a political attack.

Republican leaders pledge to nominate Trump as their party's nominee in July regardless of what happened in court. But there are options available if party delegates think a different candidate could fare better as the nominee.

Dr. Julia Azari is a professor of political science at Marquette University. She said, "The Republicans may be in for a more exciting convention" if Trump's hush money convictions force the party to consider another candidate this July.

Dr. Azari said, "I don't think that's the most likely scenario, but it is not beyond the realm of possibility."

Trump has nearly double the number of delegates needed to be the GOP's presumptive nominee, won in dozens of state primaries.

But while some states require delegates to vote based on their primary results, most delegates are not legally bound to vote as their state did.

That means delegates at the convention could theoretically try to deny Trump a majority on the first ballot.

Dr. Azari said, "How would they potentially work together with others with those concerns to select a nominee, an alternative."

That largely has not been tested in decades, and experts say it's highly unlikely.

Challengers could not beat Trump in the Republican primary, and just last week his closest competitor, Nikki Haley, said she'll vote for him.

After the verdict came down Thursday, many Republican leaders denounced the legal process.

Brian Schimming, Chair of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, said, "It was ridiculous. It's been ridiculous from the start."

Schimming said the party will nominate Trump at the convention, and that he saw support increase since the verdict was announced. "It will certainly strengthen our base in the short term. I got swamped with messages right away."

Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos called the verdict "politically motivated persecution."

GOP senator Ron Johnson called it a "travesty of justice."

And the RNC said it was a witch-hunt. Chair Michael Whatley said, "The real verdict will take place on November 5," referring to election day.

But while the verdict may galvanize Republicans to nominate Trump as expected, it's unclear how it could affect independent voters who may ultimately decide the election.

Dr. Azari said, "In an election that's likely to be close, even small change can matter."

Marquette Law polling guru Charles Franklin said Marquette's next state poll will come out June 26, after they allow the dust to settle, in his words.

But he added national polls are likely already in the field right now to gauge the impact of the guilty verdicts.