The RNC had kept the document tightly held, refusing to share earlier drafts with reporters. Oops: RNC posts platform on website

TAMPA, Fla. — The Republican National Committee quickly pulled down a draft copy of its 2012 platform Friday afternoon after POLITICO discovered it hidden on the committee’s web site.

The RNC has kept the document tightly held, refusing to share earlier drafts with reporters. An apparent staff error led to its posting.


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A platform committee of 112 members met here Monday and Tuesday to edit the document. They plan to release the full document publicly as the convention kicks off at the start of next week. At that point, the full convention is expected to approve it by voice vote.

The RNC would not confirm that what was posted Friday is the final platform language, but it matches amendments approved earlier this week by the platform committee. The preamble is identical to what was read by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell at an open-press sessionTuesday night.

“The final 2012 Republican platform will be made public after the full RNC convention votes on Monday,” RNC spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said in an email.