TOWN AND COUNTRY, Mo. (AP) -- Contention and confusion are marring various Republican caucuses in Missouri as supporters of Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney and Ron Paul battle for an edge in the state's complicated delegate selection process.
Recounts were common Saturday as rival Republican camps vied for control of the meetings, then put forth competing slates of delegates to advance to congressional district caucuses on April 21 and a state convention on June 2. It's at those later meetings that delegates actually will be bound to particular presidential candidates.
One suburban St. Louis caucus exemplified the contention. Santorum campaigned there early Saturday. But Romney backers put forth a spirited fight and teamed up with Paul supporters. Santorum's slate of delegates ultimately prevailed, but only by a few votes.
