Here is the latest we know about the machinations Leon detailed earlier today.

The first key data point is that a consensus is developing that the #DelegatesUnbound leader, Colorado delegate Kendal Unruh, does not have the 28 votes necessary to have a “minority report” allowing delegates to vote their conscience to make it to the convention floor for a vote.

Here’s latest from backroom dealing between Priebus and #NeverTrump crowd / Cruz 2020 crowd: https://t.co/d9p54lt90A pic.twitter.com/l9Vx6AMkdn

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) July 14, 2016

This is critical because unless there are 28 votes this whole process is rather masturbatory in nature as far as unbinding delegates goes. On the other hand, Priebus has a vested interest in not having an ugly spectacle develop in the Rules Committee.

In other words, Cuccinelli is gonna get something out of this (2020 fixes). So is Reince (clean Rules meeting). Kendal, not so much. — Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) July 14, 2016

This indicates that what is going on is a negotiation for terms of surrender:

I’m told Senator Mike Lee is playing a mediating role in the discussions, not taking sides w/ either Priebus or Kendal Unruh

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) July 14, 2016

But often it isn’t what you have but what the other guy thinks you have that counts:

Latest from #rulescommittee negotiation: clock ticking, likely 1pm deadline to get deal done https://t.co/d9p54lt90A pic.twitter.com/xzKFqEaG4y — Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) July 14, 2016

And then there is this

The Priebus-Unruh-Cuccinelli meeting has BROKEN UP… Sub-groups now meeting to discuss whether terms of negotiations are acceptable or not

— Tim Alberta (@TimAlberta) July 14, 2016