Missouri supporters of Ron Paul, the Republican presidential contender who’s declining to quit despite John McCain’s lock on the nomination, are circulating his video announcement that he’s heading to Branson for a rally on May 30.

That’s the night before the state Republican Party convention — also slated for Branson.

(A hat tip to Jason Rosenbaum at the Columbia Tribune, for first reporting Paul’s planned stop.)

Party leaders have been trying for weeks to weed out the hundreds of pro-Paul delegates elected at local and regional caucuses, to prevent them from being seated at the state convention. The aim is to avoid a McCain-Paul floor fight.

But Paul’s presence the night before could complicate matters.

According to his Web site, Paul will headline a 7 p.m. “Freedom Rally” at Branson’s Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Highway 248.