Issac rains on GOP parade but not on Trump, local party

After years of planning their 2012 convention, the Republican Party will have to wait at least one more day to officially nominate Mitt Romney as their presidential candidate.

As Mary Ellen Klas of our Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau reported Saturday, GOP executives, after meeting with Florida Gov. Rick Scott, weather forecasters and local emergency management officials announced it was postponing most of its scheduled events Monday to avoid endangering delegates as Tropical Storm Isaac threatens Florida.

The convention will officially convene on Monday, but then immediately go into recess until Tuesday, RNC Chairman Reince Priebus said Saturday.

“Our first priority is ensuring the safety of delegates, alternates, guests, members of the media attending the Republican National Convention, and citizens of the Tampa Bay area,” he said in a statement. “Officials have predicted participants may encounter severe transportation difficulties due to sustained wind and rain.”

All of the speeches, including the roll call vote to officially nominate Mitt Romney as the Republican’s nominee will now take plan on Tuesday. Which is just as well, since the major TV networks hadn't planned any live coverage of Monday's events anyway.

Because of the network's decision, Republicans had already switched Ann Romney's speech to Tuesday from Monday. Main speakers that were on tap for Monday were South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush.

Sunday at the Trop still on: Rain won't stop the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee's Welcome Event  Sunday Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. “Based on current weather information, the Tampa Bay area will be in a position to safely host an event of this magnitude while showcasing the widespread community support we have received during the planning process.  The safety of our guests is our highest priority.  We want our guests to experience a safe, enjoyable and welcoming night in Tampa Bay!" a news release said.

 

Can't stop Trump: Even a hurricane can't faze The Donald. The Republican Party of Sarasota sent a mass email Saturday night with the headline, "Trump Bigger Than Isaac!" telling people their highly-touted fundraiser this Sunday with Donald Trump will go on as scheduled. Trump is flying in and out of SRQ Sunday for the dinner where Trump will be honored as their 2012 Statesman of the Year. He won't attend any of the RNC events in Tampa this week.