The Republican National Convention in Tampa has been spared the full impact of Tropical Storm Isaac, but its initial potential threat has left convention organizers scrambling to readjust and come up with a new schedule. After minor tweaks, it’s full steam ahead for the Grand Old Party.
“You know I cancelled my activities for today and tomorrow and I done it for Tuesday,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott who had to push his previous plans aside.
Scott gave up his Monday night speaking slot to focus on response efforts for Tropical Storm Isaac. Over the weekend convention organizers decided to delay the start of the proceedings by a day. So now the convention is really going to get going on Tuesday.
“It’s not really coming and yes they are prepared and they’ve done all kinds of things to make sure everybody is safe. And I boarded up my house yesterday in West Palm Beach. So I’m here and we’re very, very excited.” Betty Ann Starky, is on her third convention and is ready for the festivities at Sunday night’s big kick-off party, despite the rain starting to drizzle from Isaac.
The Tropicana Baseball field, the site of several Party events, was transformed into a concert arena entertaining thousands of people unsure about the rest of the week. But organizers held a scheduling conference call where Tuesday night will feature Ann Romney, the wife of the party’s soon to be presidential nominee, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will speak and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will deliver the keynote. Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi will speak and the party’s vice presidential pick, Congressman Paul Ryan will take to the stage on Wednesday and on Thursday Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio speak before Mitt Romney accepts the party’s nomination for him to seek the presidency.