Republicans open convention, then recess for storm

By Associated Press

Aug 27, 2012 1:09 PM CDT

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Republicans open convention, then recess for storm — Demonstrator Carole Fields, of Palm Beach, Fla., listens to a speech, Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Tampa. Hundreds of protestors gathered in a park in Tampa to march in demonstration against the Republican National Convention. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Associated Press)

Republicans have gaveled open their convention that will culminate in the nomination of Mitt Romney as the party's presidential candidate.

Party Chairman Reince Priebus banged the gavel on an abbreviated Monday session as the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac forced the convention to cram four days of speeches and videos into three.

Dozens of delegates attended the shortened session.

The Republicans still planned for vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan to deliver his speech on Wednesday and Romney to address the delegates on Thursday.

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