GOP POSTPONES CONVENTION

Is it just bad weather — or bad karma?

Last week, “Hurricane Todd Akin” sidelined the GOP with his comments on “legitimate rape.”  Now, a REAL weather threat — “Tropical Storm Isaac” — has officially sidelined the Republican National Convention in Tampa.

The Republicans were set to convene in Tampa today with a bevy of speakers and cheerleaders to rev up support for the Romney-Ryan ticket.  But with Tropical Storm Isaac slated to hit Florida at any minute, the GOP was forced to cancel Monday’s events in the hope of reconvening on Tuesday.  However, meteorologists predict the affects of Isaac could last at least through Wednesday, which could effectively shut the entire convention down.

“The Republican National Convention will convene on Monday August 27th and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, August 28th,” Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced in a statement Saturday. “After consulting with Governor Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

Fierce winds and rain have all but shut down a number of high-priced outdoor events, including a golf tournament with House Speaker John Boehner, a late night performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and a series of Senate fundraisers on a lavish yacht called the Starship II.  And with Louisiana aligned for a possible direct hit, more GOP events are on the chopping block pending further weather updates.

This is almost an exact repeat of 2008, when the GOP convention to nominate John McCain was delayed due to the devastation of Hurricane Gustav. Could this moment of deja’ vu be a warning sign of things to come for the Republicans??

Here is the full memo from the RNC chair to the delegates:

MEMO
DATE: August 25, 2012
FROM: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus @Reince
TO: Interested Parties
RE: RNC Convention

Due to the severe weather reports for the Tampa Bay area, the Republican National Convention will convene on Monday August 27th and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, August 28th, exact time to follow.

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. RNC Convention officials and the Romney campaign are working closely with state, local and federal officials, as well as the Secret Service, to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and preserve Florida’s emergency management resources. Officials have predicted participants may encounter severe transportation difficulties due to sustained wind and rain.

The Republican National Convention will take place and officially nominate Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, and the Party has other necessary business it must address. We also are remaining in constant contact with state and federal officials and may make additional schedule alterations as needed.
The Convention staff is working around-the-clock to ensure the delegations housed in storm-impacted areas have alternative housing if needed. The Committee on Arrangements will provide additional information to delegates and alternate delegates who are affected by Isaac by Sunday morning. We will also provide guidance to those delegates and alternate delegates who may encounter travel difficulties due to the storm.

We will begin issuing revised convention programming as early as Sunday.

We have an experienced team that will ensure changes are operationally smooth and create as little disruption as possible. The most important concern is safety, but our Convention program will proceed.