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Pastor says prayer team sent Isaac away from RNC

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A Tampa Bay pastor told the Christian Broadcasting Network her team prayed Tropical Storm Isaac away from the Republican National Convention.

Forecasts for severe weather associated with the storm forced convention officials, in consultation with local and state emergency management officials, to call off the first day of the convention in Tampa, Fla.

Then Isaac mostly proved to be a non-event in the Tampa Bay area as the storm took a northwesterly track in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tampa Bay saw some strong wind and rain, minor flooding in roads, beach erosion and surfing waves, as Isaac threatened the northern Gulf coast, developing into a hurricane on track for New Orleans.

As the tropical storm warnings were lifted in Tampa on Aug. 27, the Rev. Jesten Peters of Keys of Authority Ministries told the Christian Broadcasting Network, “We have had lots and lots of people praying around the clock that it would move, and after you watch from the very beginning where they were saying it was coming and now where they say it is going, then it has really moved out of the way for us and we appreciate God doing that and moving it for us.”

Right Wing Watch posted the video of Peters, who said she was leading one of the teams praying for the RNC, which concludes Aug. 30 with the nomination of Mitt Romney for president.

The CBN interview posted online didn’t contain any follow up about Isaac’s threat to New Orleans and other U.S. locations.

The RNC opened on Aug. 27 and then was recessed until today (Aug. 28), with a program that begins at 2 p.m. at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The weather delay allowed delegates plenty of time to get to events outside of the convention on Aug. 27, including a party hosted by the Log Cabin Republicans, a national LGBT group; a prayer rally hosted by Focus on the Family, a national Christian right organization. U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann spoke at the Focus rally of a spiritual hurricane and called on people to suit up and pour it out “for Him.”

On the Web: www.rightwingwatch.org

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Republican National Convention opens, recesses

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Republican officials, after calling a rain delay for Monday, released a revised schedule for their national convention this week on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The rain delay was forced by forecasts for Tropical Storm Isaac, which late last showed the storm developing into a hurricane with Tampa in its potential path.

Today (Aug. 27), with Isaac moving on a northwest path, not even severe tropical storm conditions had materialized in the area. But concerns were high for New Orleans.

The convention was gaveled open at 2 p.m. today and then quickly put into recess until Aug. 28. The revised convention schedule, with speakers reassigned to a three-day program instead of a four-day program, is:

Tuesday, Aug. 28

2 p.m.: Chairman of the RNC Reince Priebus, Color Guard Knights of Columbus, Pledge of Allegiance by former Gov. Tim Babcock of Montana and Tom Hogan of Florida, National anthem sung by Philip Alongi, Invocation by Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, Opening procedural steps, appointment of convention committees, Welcoming remarks, and House and Senate candidates and RNC auxiliaries, RNC chairman Priebus, RNC co-chairman Sharon Day, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Convention CEO William Harris, Chairman of Tampa Bay Host Committee Al Austin, Republican congressional candidates, state Del. Barbara Comstock of Virginia, Rep. Tim Griffin or Arkansas, Republican Senate candidates, Republican National Committee auxiliaries, Consideration of convention committee reports, RNC chairman Reince Priebus, Committee on Credentials chairman Mike Duncan, Committee on Permanent Organization chairwoman Zoraida Fonalledas, House Speaker John Boehner, Official convention photograph, Committee on Rules chairman John Sununu, Committee on Resolutions chairman Gov. Bob McDonnell, Committee on Resolutions co-chairman U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, Committee on Resolutions co-chairman U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Roll Call for nomination of president, Roll Call for nomination of vice president.

6:40 p.m.: Recess.

7:00 p.m.: Reconvene, Remarks by House Speaker John Boehner, Remarks by RNC chairman Reince Priebus, Video and remarks by Mayor Mia Love of Utah, Remarks by actress Janine Turner, Remarks by former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, Remarks by U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

8 p.m.: Remarks by U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, accompanied by Jack Gilchrist, Remarks by Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, Remarks by Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma, Remarks by Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia, accompanied by Bev Gray, Remarks by Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin. 

9 p.m: Remarks by Gov. Brian Sandoval of Nevada, Remarks by Sher Valenzuela, a small business owner and candidate for Delaware lieutenant governor), Remarks by Senate candidate Ted Cruz of Texas, Remarks by Artur Davis, Remarks by Gov. Nikki Haley of South Carolian.

10 p.m.: Remarks by Mrs. Luce’ Vela Fortuno, Remarks by Mrs. Ann Romney, Keynote remarks by Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey, Benediction by Sammy Rodriguez, Adjournment.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

7 p.m.: Convention convenes, Call to order, Introduction of Colors by Amputee Veterans of America Support Team, Pledge of Allegiance by retired Brig. Gen. Patrick E. Rea, US Army, National Anthem sung by Ayla Brown, Invocation by Ishwar Singh, Ron Paul video, Remarks by Sen. Republican leader and convention temporary chairman Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Remarks by Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Remarks by Christopher Devlin-Young and Jeanine McDonnell.

8 p.m.: Remarks by Sen. John McCain of Arizona, Remarks by Attorney General Pam Bondi of Florida and Attorney General Sam Olens of Georgia, Remarks by Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Remarks by Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Remarks by Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio.

9 p.m.: Remarks by Gov. Luis Fortuno of Puerto Rico, Remarks by former Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, “Bush 41, 43” film, Remarks by cable news host Mike Huckabee.

10 p.m.: Remarks by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Remarks by governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Remarks by vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Benediction by Archbishop Demetrios, Adjournment.

Thursday, Aug. 30

7 p.m.: Convention convenes, Call to order, Introduction of Colors US Central Command Joint Forces Color Guard Team, Pledge of Allegiance by Dylan Nonaka, National Anthem sung by SEVEN, Invocation by Ken and Priscilla Hutchins, Remarks by U.S. Rep. Connie Mack of Florida, “Reagan Legacy” video, Remarks by Newt and Callista Gingrich, Remarks by Craig Romney.

8 p.m.: Remarks by former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida, Remarks by Bob White, chairman of Romney for President campaign, Remarks by Grant Bennett, Remarks by Tom Stemberg.

9 p.m.: Remarks by former Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, Remarks by Jane Edmonds, former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce, Remarks by Olympians Michael Eruzione, Derek Parra and Kim Rhode.

10 p.m.: Remarks by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, Remarks by presidential nominee Mitt Romney, Benediction by Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan, Speaker Boehner declares convention adjourned.

Follow WiG at the RNC, with news updates on www.wisconsingazette.com, on Twitter at wigazette and on Facebook.

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Notes from the RNC in Tampa

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Republican officials, after calling a rain delay for Monday, released a revised schedule for their national convention this week on the Florida Gulf Coast.

The rain delay was forced by forecasts for Tropical Storm Isaac, which late last showed the storm developing into a hurricane with Tampa in its potential path.

As of early Monday (Aug. 27), with Isaac moving on a northwest path, not even severe tropical storm conditions had materialized in the area. But concerns were high for New Orleans.

For the schedule, go to http://www.wisconsingazette.com/breaking-news/republican-national-convention-releases-revised-schedule-due-to-rain-delay.html

***

Aug. 27, 9 a.m.

Charlie Crist endorsed Barack Obama in one of Florida’s best-read newspapers on Sunday. Now the former governor and former Republican will address the Democratic National Convention next week, according to CNN.

Crist, after serving as attorney general and governor of the Sunshine State, left the GOP and ran as an independent for the U.S. Senate, a race he lost to rising Tea Party star Marco Rubio.

In an op-ed published in the Tampa Bay Times on Aug. 26, Crist explained why he supports Barack Obama’s re-election over Mitt Romney’s run for the White House. The decision, in part, has to do with an extreme pitch to the right by an element of the Grand Old Party.

***

Aug. 26, 4 p.m.

The forecast was calling for weather to intensify in the Tampa Bay area with the approach of Tropical Storm Isaac in the Gulf of Mexico. Still, the RNC welcome party at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg is a go.

The event is set to begin at about 6 p.m., with about 20,000 delegates and reporters expected for Florida-flavored cuisine and Southern-style music.

The weather – high winds and heavy rains were forecasted – could keep away those who would need to reach the stadium via a bridge or a causeway.

Earlier, an outdoor RNC concert near the Tampa Bay Times Forum with Lynyrd Skynyrd booked as headliner, was canceled.

But Log Cabin Republicans meet-and-greet with gay delegates hosted by the organization’s Florida chapters was to take place at the Rusty Pelican.

***

Aug. 25, 7 p.m.

RNC arrivals check in, get credentials, collect swag bags

An estimated 50,000 people assembled over the weekend for this week’s Republican National Convention – which was delayed a day due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Many attendees arrived to the Gulf Coast on Saturday, settling into their host hotels – Wisconsin delegates are staying at the Hyatt Regency Tampa – with their newly claimed credentials and their swag bags.

What’s the swag?

Not too sweet. The press bag contained:

• A magnet paper clip for the University of Tampa.

• A can coozie for the Tampa Bay Storm.

• Two University of Tampa brochures.

• A booklet called “The Patriots Essential Liberty Companion to Our Founders’ Wisdom” that opens with Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.

• An “Official Guide to the 2012 Republican National Convention” from the host committee.

• “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness,” a book by Mitt Romney.

• Dark sunglasses.

• SPF 30 “Vote4Energy.org” sunscreen.

• A battery-powered hand-fan from Vote4Energy.

• Mints.

• A copy of Bay Pop magazine with a male-model cover and a cover feature on “The Young Delegates.”

• And the bag itself, which promoted Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

***

Aug. 25, 3 p.m.

The last of the barriers went up around certain buildings in downtown Tampa as officials prepared for the start of the Republican National Convention.

Barricades also were in place to close off streets running toward the Tampa Bay Times Forum, where the convention was to take place, and the convention center, where the working press would be headquartered.

On the street, there were a few gawkers near the forum, delegates and press looking for open restaurants and law enforcement teams – mostly packs of khaki-clad state troopers, all of them armed, including some with rifles.

Law enforcement patrolled the downtown in packs on foot, in teams by bicycle and in cars and armored trucks.

***

Aug. 24, 6 p.m

Southern sound to dominate at the RNC

Organizers for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., announced the entertainment lineup for the week.

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus said in a news release, “We’ve booked outstanding performers and world-famous acts. The convention attendees will be treated to special performances they will remember for a very long time.”

Delegates, dignitaries and the press will hear “everything from pop and rock to country and gospel,” he added.

Performers at the RNC include 3 Doors Down with the premiere of a new single “One Light,” as well as Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Oak Ridge Boys, Neal Boyd, Randy Owens, Jack Blades of Night Ranger, Taylor Hicks and BeBe Winans.

The house band is the GE Smith Band – Smith was a lead guitarist with Hall & Oates and a musical director of “Saturday Night Live.”

The schedule is:

Aug. 27: The Oak Ridge Boys, Conrad Oberg and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Aug. 28: Philip Alongi, Neal E. Boyd, Michael Lane Turner, Randy Owen, Jack Blades and 3 Doors Down.

Aug. 29: Ayla Brown, Beau Davidson, The Katinas and Danny Gokey.

Aug. 30: The Mighty Sound of SEVEN, Taylor Hicks, BeBe Winans and the Tampa Gospel Choir led by Marvin Winans Jr.

The GOP also is planning a welcome party for the press, politicians and delegates with multiple musical acts on Aug. 26 in St. Petersburg.

Outside the convention, protesters with Occupy the RNC have set up a number of benefit concerts at much smaller venues.

The Democrats have not announced a full entertainment lineup, but performers for the pre-convention party in Charlotte, N.C., in early September include Janelle Monáe, Jeff Bridges and The Abiders and James Taylor.

To be updated.

Follow WiG at the RNC 2012 in news updates on www.wisconsingazette.com, on Twitter at wigazette and on Facebook.

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RNC arrivals check in, get credentials, collect swag bags

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TAMPA — An estimated 50,000 people are assembling over the weekend for this upcoming Republican National Convention, which will be delayed a day due to Tropical Storm Isaac.

Many attendees arrived to the Gulf Coast city on Aug. 25, settling into their host hotels – Wisconsin delegates are staying at the Hyatt Regency Tampa – with credentials and swag bags.

What’s the swag?

The press bag contained:

• A magnet paper clip for the University of Tampa.

• A beer can coozie for the Tampa Bay Storm.

• Two University of Tampa brochures.

• A booklet called “The Patriots Essential Liberty Companion to Our Founders’ Wisdom” that opens with Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.

• An “Official Guide to the 2012 Republican National Convention” from the host committee.

• “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness,” a book by Mitt Romney.

• Dark sunglasses.

• SPF 30 “Vote4Energy.org” sunscreen.

• A battery-powered hand-fan from Vote4Energy.

• Mints.

• A copy of Bay Pop magazine with a male-model cover and a cover story on “The Young Delegates.”

• And the bag, which promoted Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

There were no official convention events set for Aug. 25.

On the night of Aug. 26, a welcome party is scheduled to take place at Tropican Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, in St. Petersburg. 

The convention will convene in Tampa on Aug. 27 but immediately recess to Aug. 28 due to severe weather forecasted for Tropical Storm Isaac, which is expected to become a hurricane before it heads north in the Gulf of Mexico.

Mitt Romney is set to accept the party’s nomination for president on Aug. 30.

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Gay Republicans firm up convention plans

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UPDATE: Convention officials announced early evening Aug. 25 that the convention would convene on Aug. 27 but immediately recess to Aug. 28 due to severe weather forecasted with Tropical Storm Isaac.

Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus issued a statement: “Due to the severe weather reports for the Tampa Bay area, the Republican National Convention will convene on Monday, Aug. 27 and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 28. After consulting with Gov. Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket.”

TAMPA — A crew of gay Republicans is making final preparations for the Republican National Committee’s welcome party on Aug. 26, as well as a series of Log Cabin Republicans events.

The convention officially begins at the forum in downtown Tampa on Aug. 27. By early Aug. 25, some streets in downtown Tampa were closed to traffic, government buildings were fenced off or barricaded and groups of state troopers were patrolling the area on foot, by bicycle and in cars.

Delegates were checking into host hotels and reporters and photographers – from lone bloggers and alternative press writers to cable news armies – were picking up their credentials.

And leaders with LCR, the largest LGBT Republican group, were in town, making final credential arrangements for supporters and preparing for a series of events, including:

• Holding a meet-and greet with gay delegates on Aug. 26 at the Rusty Pelican in Tampa.

• Holding a Republicans Out to Win party with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and former U.S. Rep. Jim Kolbe on Aug. 27 at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa;

• Hosting a Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry brunch with the Freedom to Marry organization on Aug. 29 at Holland & Knight, 100 N. Tampa St., Tampa;

• Celebrating Congressional Allies in support of the LCR PAC on Aug. 30 at 108 S. Morgan St., Tampa.

Log Cabin also was working on a tally of LGBT delegates and alternates attending the convention, which concludes with Romney’s acceptance speech on Aug. 30.

Follow WiG at the RNC 2012 in news updates on www.wisconsingazette.com, on Twitter at wigazette and on Facebook.

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Tropical Storm Isaac churns in Caribbean, threatens to crash GOP convention

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Tropical Storm Isaac continues to threaten. The storm had people in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands bracing for torrential rain and Republican leaders wondering if Isaac might rain on their parade and the party’s national convention in Tampa, Fla.

Earlier on Aug. 23, flooding was reported in eastern and southern regions of Puerto Rico as Isaac approached.

Forecasters said the storm could become a hurricane – Category 1 – by Aug. 24, as it neared the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Some preliminary forecasts show the storm heading to Florida by Aug. 27, the first day of the Republican National Convention in Tampa. Other models showed the storm going west into the Gulf of Mexico, not posing a direct threat to Florida but possibly threatening Mexico or the western U.S. Gulf states.

Mid-morning Aug. 23, Isaac was about 200 miles south-southeast of Puerto Rico with maximum sustained winds were reported at 40 mph.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn said local, state and federal emergency management officials were monitoring Isaac. “Public safety will always trump politics. And so my job, and our job, if we move into that mode, is to make sure we get people out of harm’s way,” he said.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott said later that Republican officials would make the call on the convention.

Soon after that, party leaders issued statements.

William Harris, CEO of the Republican National Convention, said, “The Republican National Convention and the Republican National Committee, working in consultation with the Romney/Ryan campaign, are in regular contact with the National Weather Service, Gov. Scott and local emergency officials in an effort to track and understand the potential impact of the storm. Gov. Scott and local emergency officials have assured us that they have the resources in place to respond to this storm should it make landfall, as our primary concern is with those in the potential path of the storm. We will continue to work closely with them and federal officials to monitor the storm and discuss any impact it might have on the Tampa area and the state of Florida. We continue to move forward with our planning and look forward to a successful convention.”

RNC chairman Reince Priebus’ statement didn’t mention Isaac: “We are just days away from the Republican National Convention where we will officially nominate Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan as the ticket who will get America working again. The Republican Party is ready for the mission ahead: sending America’s Comeback Team to Washington to rein in federal spending and put Americans back to work. While President Obama is out of ideas, we have candidates for president and vice president who are uniquely qualified to answer the challenges of our time, and we look forward to helping them get elected in November.”

Mid-afternoon on Aug. 23, emergency management officials in several Florida counties announced briefings on the storm, including discussions about evacuations, would take place on Aug. 24.

Manatee County, Fla., emergency management chief Laurie Feagans advised residents: “Have your hurricane plan ready and make a hurricane disaster kit. This storm will bring rain and tropical force winds. The ground is already saturated, so people should be especially mindful of high winds that could topple trees.”

On the Web: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov