Republicans shut down most of convention over Hurricane

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ST PAUL, Minnesota (AFP) — Republican White House hopeful John McCain suspended most of Monday's first day of his nominating convention, as Hurricane Gustav sparked political turmoil as it zeroed in on New Orleans.

Party leaders scrambled to change their plans, keen not to be seen by voters as mounting a celebratory event while a potential natural disaster unfolds on the Gulf Coast , exactly three years after the Hurricane Katrina tragedy.

"I hope and pray we will be able to resume some of our normal operations as quickly as possible," McCain told reporters via a video link from St. Louis, after returning from a tour of relief preparations in Mississippi.

"We're going to suspend most of our activities tomorrow, except for those absolutely necessary," said...