Former Illinois Santorum Delegates Help Romney Clinch Nomination

As of Tuesday, Mitt Romney has all the nominating votes from Illinois’ delegation at the Republican National Convention — including some from supporters of former presidential candidate Rick Santorum.

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who heads up Romney’s Illinois campaign, had what he wanted when he took to the convention floor yesterday. Illinois cast 69 votes unanimously for Romney's presidency.

Unanimously is the key word: 12 of those votes were originally promised to former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, who later dropped out of the race.

But delegate Jon Zahm, Santorum’s Illinois campaign chair, said he now supports Romney.

"Because it’s all about the best opportunity to beat Barack Obama," said Zahm. "I don’t wanna distract from that. I’m not somebody who casts protest votes."

Illinois’ unanimous vote came as some supporters of Texas Congressman Ron Paul refused to cast their votes for Romney’s nomination.