Monday [schedule is varying] GOP suspends conv sessions due to Gustav

[Sally08]

I did do a quick search:)

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2008-08-31-gopconvention_N.htm?csp=34

GOP suspends convention sessions due to Gustav

By Alan Gomez and William M. Welch, USA TODAY
ST. PAUL * John McCain and Republican party officials agreed to suspend their national convention Monday out of concern for the strong hurricane headed toward New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, ordering a scaled-back opening session and leaving in doubt how the rest of the nominating meetings and political theater will be conducted.

McCain said the more than 4,000 delegates gathering here to give him the party's presidential nomination would meet for a two-and-half-hour session Monday, beginning at 4 p.m. ET. They are to conduct only essential business, putting aside political speechmaking and leaving uncertain the following three days of the convention.

Added:
McCain campaign manager Rick Davis told reporters at the convention site that delegates would meet at 4 p.m. ET Monday for a business-only session expected to conclude by 6:30 p.m. ET. He said the party needs to do certain "minimum basic requirements" — formally open its convention, adopt rules, receive committee reports, adopt a platform and elect officers. Its rules requires a quorum — a simple majority of delegates present — to conduct that business in preparation for formally nominating McCain and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.
-snip-

[MRoCkEd]

Will this hurt us?

[Roxi]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/search.php?searchid=2441830


http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=152479&highlight=gustav

[Bruno]

Will this hurt us?

How so?

[Sally08]

http://www.ronpaulforums.com/search.php?searchid=2441830


http://www.ronpaulforums.com/showthread.php?t=152479&highlight=gustav

If you'd *read* the post, this is a major update that RP supporters need to know about, not be buried in an ongoing thread.

Monday 4-6:30 p.m. ET is likely to be the *only* opportunity to do anything related to the *election* vs. the hurricane efforts.

[alaric]

Will this hurt us?

actually, it might help: the media is stuck there with less to cover. They might want to 'fill time' with the RP rallies!:)

[Sandra]

McCain forgot to check with his lobbyist bosses. Apparently everything is "GO"!

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D92TIELO1


Scott Cottington, who was arranging lobbyist parties for GOP Convention Strategies, said his events were moving ahead as scheduled.

"Nobody's asked us not to do anything," Cottington said. "Nobody has asked us to change anything yet. Now, some of our events feature people from states who may not be around much longer. And I have no idea who's going to be around later in the week."

Still going ahead unchanged was a Monday concert sponsored by the Service Employees International Union designed to counter the Republican message. That four-hour "Take Back Labor Day" show includes singer-songwriter Steve Earle, English folk musician Billy Bragg, Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, hip hop artist Mos Def, and Earle's wife Allison Moorer.

Other parties were proceeding but with a different angle.

Originally billed as the Spirits of Minneapolis, that Monday party instead was being changed to the Spirits of the Gulf Coast. It was going to double as a fundraiser for the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund.

Similarly, a Monday event targeting women originally called "Political Chicks a Go Go" was being changed to a fundraiser called "RightNOW! Relief for the Gulf Coast."

Sponsored by RightNOW!, the Lifetime Networks and Rock the Vote, the party was to feature country music star John Rich.

Could this be exploited any more? TACKY!

[Sally08]

This is from DailyPaul/no direct link

RNC Convention SCALED BACK at McCain's request

http://www.dailypaul.com/node/59705
Posted August 31st, 2008 by alaskaron

Hot off the presses....this just in

For Immediate Release
Sunday, August 31, 2008 Contact: Joanna Burgos
(651) 467-2728
McCain 2008 and 2008 Republican National Convention Announce
Changes to Convention Program and Hurricane Response Efforts
Monday’s Convention Program Will Only Include Required Proceedings,
McCain Campaign Takes Steps to Aid Affected Delegations

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - At the recommendation of Sen. John McCain, the 2008 Republican National Convention announced substantial changes to the convention’s program and actions being taken to help with Hurricane Gustav relief efforts. On Monday, all program activities beyond the official business that must be conducted in accordance with party rules will be cancelled. Among the other actions announced today are the formation of the Affected States Working Group, the establishment of an Affected States Information Center, and the chartering of a DC-9 to transport affected delegates.

Rick Davis, campaign manager for McCain 2008, announced that the upcoming Republican National Nominating Convention is making serious revisions to the convention program and surrounding activities. Davis said, "We are deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of the residents of the Gulf State region. Our top priority is to assist those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav. 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."

Davis also discussed what the changes in the program will mean for the nomination process. "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 candidates for president and vice president require. We will perform the official business as required. In addition, we have set aside time to make delegates and Americans watching our proceedings at home aware of what they can do to assist in relief efforts designed to help those who will be affected by Hurricane Gustav."

Davis concluded: "At some point between Monday and Thursday evening, we will convene once again to complete the activities needed to qualify Senator McCain and Governor Palin for the ballot in all 50 states. Beyond that, all we can say is that we will monitor what is happening and make decisions about other convention business as details become available."

Chairman of the Republican National Committee Robert M. "Mike" Duncan added, "The safety and well-being of the people of the Gulf States remains our top concern. We are doing everything we can on the ground in Minneapolis-Saint Paul to ensure that the delegations affected by this storm have the resources and information that they need. As Senator McCain said this morning, we must redirect our attention and efforts. We will act as Americans - not Republicans - to help our fellow citizens in need."

This morning, at the request of Governor Barbour (R-Miss.), Sen. McCain attended a briefing with the governor about the state’s storm preparation efforts. The briefing was held at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency offices in Pearl, Miss. Following the briefing, Sen. McCain, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, and Mrs. Cindy McCain toured the emergency management center.

The convention is in continuous communication with all delegates, speakers, and program participants. All parties understand that the schedule for the convention will be dictated by the conditions on the ground in the Gulf States and are, therefore, subject to change. The campaign and the convention’s first priority is the safety and security of those living in the areas where the hurricane will make landfall.

The McCain campaign has also taken several additional steps to assist delegates from the Gulf States, including the formation of an Affected States Working Group, the chartering of a DC-9 to transport affected delegates, and the establishment of an Affected States Information Center.

The Affected States Working Group
The Affected States Working Group is comprised of a group of representatives from each of the states in Hurricane Gustav’s path. The group will ensure that all affected delegates have information and assistance in real time.

The Affected States Working Group is led by all five state party chairs from the affected area along with other delegation officials. The purpose of the group will be to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota.

The state party chairs released the following joint statement:

"We appreciate the thoughts and prayers of everyone around the country as we prepare for this dangerous storm. We are here in Minnesota for the necessary job of nominating our choice for president and vice president, but obviously our focus is on our families and friends back at home. We are in constant communication with our governors and elected officials and feel confident that they are taking the appropriate and necessary steps to prepare. The purpose of this group is to discuss ways that we can come together to provide information and support for our delegates here in Minneapolis."

The group is made up of nine leaders from the region and is chaired by the following individuals:
Roger Villare, Louisiana State Chair
Tina Benkiser, Texas State Chair
Brad White, Mississippi State Chair
Mike Hubbard, Alabama State Chair
Jim Greer, Florida State Chair

Air Transportation Provided to Delegates
Also announced today were transportation arrangements for delegates from states affected by Hurricane Gustav. The McCain 2008 campaign has chartered a DC-9 that will transport delegates that wish to return to home to their states. The DC-9 will leave Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport today and will fly to Jackson, Mississippi. All transportation costs will be covered by the McCain 2008 campaign.

"As we all watch and prepare for Gustav to make landfall, it is important that the convention make it as easy as possible for delegates to be where they are needed most - with their families and local agencies in their home states. We are grateful to Senator McCain for making this resource available to the delegates from the Gulf States," Maria Cino, President and CEO of the Republican National Convention 2008, said today.

Affected States Information Center
The convention has established an Affected States Information Center, which will be fully staffed and located inside the Xcel Energy Center. The center will remain open during the Xcel Energy Center’s operating hours and will serve as a central location where delegates can get news about the hurricane, weather reports, and information about rescue relief organizations; access to computers and phones; and the resources they need to address their situations back home. Delegates can go to the center and get information. There will also be contacts in the center that can contact Gulf State governors, if needed.

Republican Party Rules
The convention program has been altered in response to the situation developing in the Gulf States region. However, the convention will still take place. According to party rules, it is necessary for the convention to proceed in order to ensure that the party is able to place its candidates’ names on the ballot in November.

On November 9, 2007, pursuant to the rules adopted at the 2004 National Republican Convention, the party issued the call for its convention. The call requires that the convention meet on Sept. 1, 2008. The session must be convened no earlier than 9 a.m. and no later than 7 p.m. Under the current party rules, this is the only method by which the party may select a candidate for President and Vice President.

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

[Matt Collins]

I am here in MSP at the training session tonight and no one knew about it. I am the person who broke the news. This is crazy!!!

[Sally08]

I am here in MSP at the training session tonight and no one knew about it. I am the person who broke the news. This is crazy!!!

I just replied to your thread.

NOTE: THE STARTING TIMES FOR TOMORROW ARE DIFFERENT (here 4:00 ET vs. your post for 2:30 CDT/*3:30* ET).

The quorum is of *those present* - delegates in effected areas are going *home*.

[BeFranklin]

Alternative Delegates become primary delegates if they go home (lots of RP alternative delegates). Its only a quorum of those present. There is a chance of taking this convention over, or declaring it invalid (rump convention?). If RP supporters have enough political saavy.

[Sally08]

Alternative Delegates become primary delegates if they go home (lots of RP alternative delegates). Its only a quorum of those present. There is a chance of taking this convention over, or declaring it invalid (rump convention?). If RP supporters have enough political saavy.

I AGREE!

But they have to know to *be there early*(before 2:30 CDT?)

The starting time seems to be changing (moving *up*) - so RP delegates won't get the message:eek:

Please pass the word to people in MN!

[Brian]

Someone from the campaign PLEASE invite all candidates to the rally. I mean they bought tickets, hotel rooms, everything. They need something to do.

[LibertyEagle]

Someone from the campaign PLEASE invite all candidates to the rally. I mean they bought tickets, hotel rooms, everything. They need something to do.

+1

What a perfect opportunity. I hope we don't let this one slip through our fingers.

[BeFranklin]

Davis said the only critical activities of the convention are its constitution through the gaveling in of the opening session, certification of the Republican National Committee delegates and the nomination of both McCain for president and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as vice president. The first two can occur on the Monday afternoon session. The nominations had been scheduled for Wednesday.

In order to hold the convention, a quorum — or 50 percent plus one of the delegates — needs to be present. Davis said the quorum will be called at 3 p.m. ET Monday and the opening session will last a couple hours.

Delegates should get there as early as possible. Schedule doesn't exactly appear clear from story to story. Quorum call will be at 3pm according to this cite.

[georgiaboy]

bump

[revolutionary8]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0G0iLj2A4o

[Join The Paul Side]

Bump.

May God help us take the nomination from McCain. Perhaps our people can catch the neocons slipping since they seem to be focusing more on the hurricane than they are the nominating process.

I hope our folks know the rules and when to rump. We will need leadership from within the convention, let's hope some of the R3volutionaries step up.

Where is Torch Bearer?