Republican National Convention Begins In Tampa
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Republican National Convention officially convened Monday.
"It's my privilege to proclaim the 2012 Republican National Convention in session and called to order," said RNC chairman Reince Preibus, as he banged the gavel.
Despite lots of empty seats inside and rain and wind outside, the 2012 Republican National Convention was called to order in Tampa, Fla.
"Because of the storm, we adjusted our schedule and rather than have a full day of convention, we simply gaveled the convention to order," RNC press secretary Kyle Downey told KDKA Political Editor Jon Delano.
The convention then recessed until Tuesday -- a move to give delegates more time to arrive safely. Even as the hurricane headed away from Tampa, Republican congressional candidate Keith Rothfus in Tampa says it was the right decision.
"I think they made the right move. You don't know where these storms are going to go, and you want to make sure that the emergency management folks don't have extra burdens," he said.
When the convention resumes on Tuesday, Rothfus is set to address the delegates.
"I'm speaking tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock – very excited to do that. I'll be talking a little bit about Obamacare and Medicare, and what we need to do to be saving Medicare."
On Tuesday night, former Senator Rick Santorum will address the convention followed in prime time by Anne Romney -- a potential First Lady.
"She knows his character better than anyone else. She knows where his heart is and what motivates him," says Downey.
Tuesday will also be the day Mitt Romney is officially nominated as the Republican candidate for president.
And then there's the keynote speech to be delivered by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, likely to be a blistering attack on President Obama.
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