Politics - RNC opens with prayer for Gustav victims

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RNC opens with prayer for Gustav victims

ST. PAUL, Minn. (UPI) -- The abbreviated first day of the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn., began with a prayer for Gulf Coast citizens affected by Hurricane Gustav.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the men, women and children along the Gulf Coast who are in harm's way of Hurricane Gustav," said Thurl Bailey, a motivational speaker and former NBA player. "(Please) protect them and provide wisdom to our leaders."

Convention delegates met Monday to address essential matters so Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the party's presumptive nominee, and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, can be officially nominated.

In opening the day's business, RNC Chairman Mike Duncan urged all delegates to text a pledge of monetary support to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"When one of us is threatened, we're all threatened. We take care of our own," Duncan said. "Through a simple text message, you can give critical support to our countrymen in a time of crisis."

While mindful of the current weather crisis, Duncan told the delegates the United States must prepare for crises in the future.

"We must depend on strong, experienced leadership," he said. "That leader is John McCain."

Delegates elected Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as the convention's temporary chairman.

McCain has said Hurricane Gustav will determine whether he accepts his party's U.S. presidential nomination in person or from the Gulf Coast.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International

This news arrived on: 09/01/2008

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