Scott Lasley is an Associate Professor in Western Kentucky University’s Department of Political Science. He is attending the Republican National Convention in Tampa this week. During the week, Professor Lasley will be providing a Kentucky perspective to the activities at the Republican National Convention.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Most delegates have made their way to Tampa for the Republican National Convention but Hurricane Isaac is dominating what was supposed to be the first day of the Convention. Hurricane Isaac has yet to reach the Tampa area but his expected arrival led to the cancelation of first day of the RNC on Monday. Party rules require the Convention officially convene on Monday, but it will be a brief formality. The Convention is currently expected to start in earnest on Tuesday. This marks the second consecutive Republican National Convention that has lost Monday’s session to hurricane activity. The first day of the 2008 RNC in the Twin Cities was canceled due to Hurricane Gustav.

Monday’s cancelation will lead to a reshuffling of speaking schedules for the Convention. The reshuffling has moved U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s speech from Monday to Wednesday. Fellow Kentuckian, 6th District congressional candidate Andy Barr was also expected to address delegates Monday and should now speak on Tuesday.

While most of America views what goes on in the Convention Hall, much of the action during Convention Week occurs outside the official venue. Many organizations use the week as an opportunity to promote and publicize their organization. Many of those events will go on as scheduled, but the weather has the potential to scuttle many events that are held on the water and in temporary tents erected for the week.

The Convention Welcome Reception went on as scheduled Sunday night at Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Over 10,000 delegates, guests, and media attended the event. Ron Paul also held a rally for supporters at the University of South Florida.