Another delegate said she was "extremely disappointed" by Mr Balls' answer and two activists shouted "shame on you" as Mr Balls returned to the issue in a later answer.

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"I think, if anything, it shows the Republican Party is a real American party, " said Rex Teter, another Texas delegate.

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The company bylaws entitle customers to choose where 40% of the profits earmarked for donation go, while employees delegate another 30%.

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But it was the health of another creature that was bothering one Plaid delegate - the fox, or at least the fate of one particular fox.

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Another way to increase your own productivity is to delegate.

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