Republican Convention Scaled Back Due to Hurricane Gustav

The RNC conferenced by telephone this afternoon to discuss the Convention in light of Hurricane Gustav's expected landing in the gulf states. The following were highlights of that call.

Like all Americans, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Gustav and are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of the residents in the Gulf States.
This is not a time for politics or celebration; it is a time for us to come together as Americans and assist the residents of the Gulf States.
At Governor Barbour's (Miss.) request, Senator McCain attended a briefing this morning at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency offices in Pearl, Miss.
Following that briefing and per Senator McCain's recommendation the 2008 Republican National Convention announced substantial changes to the convention's program.
On Monday, all program activities beyond the official business that must be conducted in accordance with party rules will be cancelled.
In order for the Republican Party to officially exist and for Senator McCain to qualify for the ballot, we are by law required to conduct specific official business.
At this point, our program on Monday has been scaled back and will only include what party rules governing the nomination of our president and vice president require.
We will also set aside time to inform convention attendees and those watching from home about ways they can participate in the relief efforts.
We are doing everything we can to assist our affected delegations both those who have already arrived in Saint Paul to undertake the necessary job of nominating our president and vice president, and those who remain in the states affected by the hurricane. We are considering the necessary contingencies and have already taken action to assist delegates from the affected areas.