Prometheus 6

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Toward the end of Sarah Palin’s pugnacious nomination speech tonight, Republican National Convention officials clashed with one of the party’s faithful on the packed hall’s jammed floor.

Several convention “volunteers” blocked at least three elderly Republicans from leaving the floor of the hall to use restrooms – but threatened to arrest one of the few African-American delegates, who also happens to be a retired cop.

“You can’t come through here. We apologize for the inconvenience,” one stocky volunteer repeatedly told those trying to exit through a tunnel near the VIP seats during Palin’s long speech.

But Krim Ballentine, an elderly at-large delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands and retired chief deputy U.S. marshal, really had to go.

“You better let me through or I’m gonna wet myself like a baby,” Ballentine said.

The convention heavies wouldn’t budge.

“Then give me a cup,” Ballentine insisted. The man - who refused to identify himself and hid his official credential in his coat - handed him an empty water bottle.

“This is our convention, not yours,” Ballentine complained, showing his marshals badge and demanding to speak to nearby Secret Service agents there to protect GOP nominee John McCain and running mate Sarah Palin’s families. They refused to comply.