Thank you for the explanation. 
I had forgotten the 2008 election. 
I still don't like it, and would rather the party had a different process in place if a nominee dies or resigns prior to the election. Fascinating. I would rather have a national vote and the winner of the total vote gets the prize. Just have a national primary day. But I do understand a lot more. More to think about.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene