Illinois delegates keeping watchful eye on Gustav
MINNEAPOLIS - Illinois Republicans may switch gears this week, preparing to raise funds for Gulf Coast hurricane victims even as they go on with scheduled state delegation meetings and parties.
Local delegates arrived at their Minneapolis hotel Sunday to find their party crashed by Hurricane Gustav and the national GOP, led by soon-to-be nominated John McCain, contemplating sweeping cancellations.
McCain's move to cut all speakers out Monday night, including President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, means that U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk will not be taking the stage.
The Highland Park resident was the only Illinois Republican on the convention speech list as of this weekend.
Some Illinois Republicans said Bush and Cheney's absence will not have major ramifications. Because of their low approval ratings, both have been widely viewed as an albatross for the party's November election chances.
"I don't think it will make a difference one way or another," said Jim Durkin, a state representative from Western Springs and the Illinois point person for McCain's campaign. "This convention is not about George Bush; it is about John McCain."
Illinois delegates are watching and waiting to see where Gustav hits and how powerful its punch will be. In the meantime, they say they are taking any schedule changes in stride. Evening receptions and parties aimed at building enthusiasm and restoring the state party's flagging fortunes will go on, albeit in a more subdued manner.
"Like John McCain, our biggest concern is with the residents who might be affected by this storm," said Andy McKenna, Illinois State Republican chairman.
If, McKenna said, the storm proves as devastating as forecasters fear, then Illinois delegates will devote part of their week to raising money for those who need help.
Durkin offered a similar take.
"Conventions are generally four days of fun," said Durkin, who has been the McCain campaign's point person in Illinois. "But when a crisis comes, the priority should be monitoring the situation."
Pat Brady, a St. Charles resident and Republican national committeeman-elect, acknowledged that the convention situation is "not ideal" but said the Gulf Coast threat is more important.
McKenna said he's not concerned about the GOP missing out on the excitement and momentum that typically build for a party during its national convention week.
"Decisions define leaders," McKenna said, adding that he thinks most Americans will understand and admire McCain's judgment in curtailing normal convention-week activities.
The Illinois Republican delegation will conduct its scheduled Monday-morning breakfast meeting, McKenna said, primarily to update delegates on all details of the changed schedule.