Hurricane Gustav reshapes convention events

From the Wall Streeet Journal:

Sen. John McCain canceled the first day of his Republican National Convention, and his campaign made plans to turn the gathering into a giant fundraiser as they braced for the natural and political fallout from Hurricane Gustav, speeding toward the Gulf Coast.

Appearing by satellite from St. Louis, he told reporters in St. Paul, Minn., ahead of the convention that "we have to do away with our party politics and act as Americans." (Read Sen. McCain's statement.)

Campaign and convention officials said no decisions have been made about what will happen beyond Monday night, saying decisions would be made day by day. They would not rule out the possibility that Sen. McCain would not appear in person to accept the nomination, a politically important moment to speak to many voters who don't normally hear his words.

There was talk among some at the Wisconsin brunch earlier today that the prime-time convention speeches could be used as a telethon to raise money for hurricane relief.

Sunday brunch in the Twin Cities

Despite the national buzz about the hurricane bearing down on New Orleans and what it'll mean for the RNC, Wisconsin's delegates began the week as scheduled.

They opened up the week here in Minnesota with a champagne brunch at the Minikahda Club in Edina, dining on roast beef, salmon appetizers, miniature ham and cheese sandwiches and root beer floats.

Brunch attendees heard from Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker while they mingled with other elected officials like Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen and Reps. Kitty Rhoades and John Nygren.

Huebsch says GOP success can occur despite political climate

Huebsch, attending his first national convention, said Republicans faced a "challenging climate in Wisconsin and in this country."

But he said Republicans could succeed in the current climate because people still believe in the GOP ideals of limited government, personal responsibility and unlimited opportunity.

"We need only articulate it once again to them, make it clear to them that that's what this party stands for ... leading the charge to give individuals in this country and people from state to state the opportunity to once again make America strong [and] make America great."

Listen to audio from Huebsch's brunch address

-- By Mike Schramm