RNC Will Convene Monday, Recess Until Tuesday Ahead Of Storm
The Republican National Convention is taking steps ahead of Hurricane Issac to keep attendees safe, convening Monday and recessing until Tuesday, it has been confirmed.
All day, politicos have waited anxiously for news on whether Issac will be disrupting the RNC’s first few days in Florida, and it appears the circumstance has indeed come to pass. Information regarding the convention’s plans to almost immediately recess is currently scant, but several outlets are confirming that Republican chair Reince Priebus has announced an effective cancellation of activities in light of the looming weather crisis in Florida.
RNC chairman Reince Priebus announces cancellation of first day of GOP convention bit.ly/P88pJb
— Reuters Politics (@ReutersPolitics) August 25, 2012
It’s official, RNC will not have full slate of events on Monday. Delayed likely to Tues. Detailed *new* schedule due out sometime Sunday.
— Shannon Bream (@ShannonBream) August 25, 2012
Reportedly, the decision to recess the Republican National Convention due to the weather was a unanimous one:
RNC Chair says the decision to postpone the state of the convention was unanimous btwn campaign, party and convention staffers
— Sarah Boxer (@Sarah_Boxer) August 25, 2012
An earlier statement from the RNC indicated that party heads were taking the threat of dangerous weather at the convention seriously, and it read in part:
“Our chief priority is the safety of the residents of Florida, of those visiting the Convention, and all those in Gulf Coast states who may be impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac. We have been working closely with the campaign, the party, and state and local officials for months to ensure a successful, enjoyable convention.”
The statement continued:
“Federal, state and local officials assure us that they are prepared to respond, if needed, and the scheduling changes we are announcing today will help ensure the continued safety of all participants – our foremost concern. We are also committed to keeping the delegates and guests of the convention well informed about the situation, and we will continue providing updates in the hours and days ahead.”
Less than an hour ahead of the announcement that RNC activities would be postponed, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced he would be drawing back from Republican National Convention activities in order to give his full attention to the storm.
UPDATE: An official statement following news of the RNC postponment from Reince Priebus reads:
“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. 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.”
