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What's legal in fight to win over delegates

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Quicken Loans Arena sits on the site of Cleveland's old Central Market where, a century ago, people bartered and bargained for produce and goods.

Somewhat fitting when you consider the levels of horse trading that could play out at the "Q" in a contested Republican National Convention in July.

It's widely accepted that candidates can offer to reimburse delegates for convention expenses like airfare, hotel stays and meals, in exchange for their support.

Back at the last fight for delegates in 1976 rides on Air Force One and White House visits were also among the bargaining chips.

But the choice of Cleveland for the convention conceivably adds a new wrinkle to the mix in the form of Ohio Revised Code 3599.01 which deals with bribery related to a primary, convention or election.

It makes it illegal to give, lend, offer or promise any money, office, position or any other valuable consideration to a delegate.

Beyond that it goes on to state: "Whoever violates this section is guilty of bribery, a felony of the fourth degree; and if he is a candidate he shall forfeit the nomination he received."