AP - The traditional festive opening of a national political convention was overshadowed by cancellations Monday, as John McCain and GOP officials tried to balance the desire to invigorate their partisans with showing empathy for those in Hurricane Gustav's path.

AP - With Hurricane Gustav spinning toward landfall, lobbyists, corporations and industry groups are scrambling to put a solemn face on their glitzy GOP convention parties and still revel with big donors, delegates and members of Congress.

AFP - The Republican Party severely curtailed the start Monday of its convention to nominate John McCain for president as Hurricane Gustav bore down on the United States.

AP - Barack Obama seems to have only one problem with Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president: She holds the same positions as John McCain, the GOP presidential candidate who tapped her.

Reuters - Hurricane Gustav is threatening to rain on the Republican festivities in Minnesota, drawing attention away from the party during its crucial national convention.

Reuters - President George W. Bush will not attend the Republican convention and will instead address the assembly via satellite so he can oversee the federal response to Hurricane Gustav, the White House said on Sunday.

AFP - President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney will not attend the Republican national convention Monday as dangerous Hurricane Gustav closes in on the US Gulf Coast, the White House said Sunday.

AFP - The Republican convention was thrown into turmoil Sunday with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney cancelling appearances as deadly Hurricane Gustav homed in on New Orleans.

AP - President Bush is skipping the Republican National Convention on Monday and will travel instead to Texas to meet with emergency workers and evacuees as Hurricane Gustav bears down on the Gulf Coast.

Reuters - Hurricane Gustav disrupted Republican John McCain's convention on Sunday -- President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney opted out of attending and Republicans considered shortening the event.