GOP to hold ‘business only’ first day

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – Republicans will hold an abreviated "business only" convention meeting on Monday at John McCain's request.

McCain announced Sunday that most activities will be suspended on the first day of the Republican National Convention so the country could focus on Hurricane Gustav.

{mosads}"We will proceed with the convention tomorrow but it will be abriviated," said Mike Miller, director of operations for the convention.

He said that delegates will meet to elect convention officiers, ratify rules and approve the party platform because they are critical to the nominating process.

The convention will open as scheduled at 3 p.m CT and will meet until approximately 5:30 p.m. CT. There will be no roll call of delegates.

McCain campaign manager Rick Davis said McCain was making no promises on whether he will attend convention and that the convention schedule is to be determined after 5:30 Monday.

"We do expect all the speakers to speak at some point," Davis said when asked if speeches set for Monday would be rescheduled.

He called speculation of McCain's presense at the convention "premature."

McCain pre-taped an interview with NBC News that will air on tonight's "Nightly News." The network released some excerpts. Brian Williams asked the Arizona senator if he was feeling frustrated that his convention was being held at the same time at a possible national disaster.

"Yeah.  I guess in some ways," McCain said. "But look, this is just one of those moments in history where you have to put America first.  And I know Republicans and Democrats will respond accordingly with generosity, with assistance and with volunteering everything they have to make sure that this blow is softened as much as possible.  Just one of those things."

And as to reports he will address his convention via satellite on Thursday night, McCain said: "We'll have to just really judge it day by day.  But for now, everything political on hold."