AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A number of Maine Republicans who were elected as Ron Paul delegates to next week's national nominating convention won't be seated at the big party gathering.

In Tampa., Fla., the convention's Credentials Committee on Friday took up a challenge by party activists who claim the Paul supporters' election as delegates violated party and parliamentary rules. The committee decided to award 10 delegates of the 20 Paul won at the state convention to him. Ten others will go to Mitt Romney supporters.

The tussle is really about getting Paul, the libertarian-leaning Texas congressman, a prime time speaking slot at the convention. Mitt Romney already has more than enough delegates to guarantee his nomination for president.