Welcome to Minnesota! Republicans open their national convention in St. Paul on September 1 with a look and feel that are completely different from those of the recent Democratic convention – thanks to a major tropical storm. Hurricane Gustav is hitting the Gulf Coast – the same region devastated by Hurricane Katrina three years ago – just as the Republican National Convention is poised to begin.

Given the potential for severe damage and loss of life, presumed Republican nominee John McCain and other party leaders have decided it would be inappropriate to hold a celebration. Stressing this is not a time to talk partisan politics, McCain told convention-goers to “take off their Republican hats and put on their American hats.”

Republicans will conduct official party business for a short time on the opening day of convention, but there will be no speeches, videos, musical performances or other events designed to get the party faithful excited. McCain encouraged delegates and other citizens to use this time to take “action in the form of volunteering, donations, reaching out our hands and our hearts and our wallets to the people who are under such great threat from this great natural disaster.”

Because of the hurricane, some political leaders cancelled their trips to St. Paul, including President Bush and Vice President Cheney, who were to have addressed the convention September 1, and Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana. The major television networks’ lead anchors are missing as well – they headed to the Gulf coast.

It is not clear when convention activities will return to normal – party leaders plan to make that decision on a day-by-day basis.

Despite the change in plans, America.gov will be holding its convention webchat with political experts – Click on the link to send in your questions!