6:27 P.M. UPDATE:
CLEVELAND — An Arkansas congressman presiding over the Republican National Convention when delegates approved the session's rules by a voice vote says opponents didn't have enough support to force a state-by-state vote.
Social conservatives and Donald Trump opponents wanted a roll call, but Rep. Steve Womack abruptly put the rules to a vote Monday and declared them approved. After opponents shouted again for a detailed vote, and made a motion, Womack rejected their request.
GOP leaders wanted to avoid a roll-call of the states, saying that while it was likely that delegates would approve the rules, a public vote might highlight party divisions.
Petitions from nine states initially asked for a roll call, but Womack said some delegates withdrew support and that only six states had valid requests. Seven were needed.
Read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
EARLIER:
CLEVELAND — Republicans cast Donald Trump as the right man for turbulent times as they opened their presidential convention Monday against a backdrop of summer violence and discontent within their own party.
Tumult broke out on the convention floor after party officials adopted rules by a shouted voice vote, a move aimed at blunting anti-Trump forces seeking to derail the presumptive nominee. Delegates broke out in competing chants in a televised dispute Republican leaders had hoped to avoid.
"I have no idea what's going on right now. This is surreal," said Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who had helped lead the efforts to force a state-by-state roll call vote on the rules.
While safety and security was the focus of Monday's opening session, Trump was also trying to shore up Republican unity, in part by assuring party leaders and voters alike that there's a kinder, gentler side to what many see as merely a brash businessman. Trump's family is playing a starring role, beginning Monday with an evening speech by his wife, Melania Trump, who has kept a low profile throughout the campaign.
In a surprise, Trump announced he would come to Cleveland and go onstage on opening night to introduce her.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus welcomed delegates with a brief acknowledgement of the "troubling times" swirling outside. The chairman called for a moment of silence out of respect for "genuine heroes" in law enforcement.
"Our nation grieves when we see these awful killings," he said.
Check back for updates on this developing story and read Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.