Republicans cancel opening night of convention...

The announcement that many Republicans have feared over the past week came late Saturday, when convention organizers confirmed that Monday's proceedings for the Republican National Convention have been cancelled. With the exception of the convention being officially gaveled into session, all other events scheduled for the opening day will be postponed, which means the convention will have a fuller schedule on the remaining three days.

Presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney tweeted "The safety of those in Isaac's path is of the utmost importance."

Deciding factors in the decision to cut Monday from the convention festivities include transportation dangers, particularly for buses crossing bridges, and the fact that the Secret Service took down outside tenting, which would result in attendees standing unprotected in the driving rain.

According to Fox News, in addition to concern over the safety of the delegates and others attending the convention, organizers also indicated that they wanted to prevent overburdening emergency response personnel while the storm is raging. Another safety measure that's being taken by organizers is to make contingency plans to relocate delegates who have been booked into beachfront hotels.

Though the idea of holding the convention in Florida during hurricane season has been a cause for concern for Republicans all along, Florida is an important state for Romney, one whose electorates may be crucial to Romney winning the election. Tampa in particular was thought to be a relatively safe bet considering the fact that it hasn't been directly hit by a hurricane since 1921.

One highlight of the convention that's still on tap is Donald Trump's appearance. Originally scheduled for Monday as part of the "We Built This!" theme, Trump's appearance will be rescheduled, though his part in the convention has been kept carefully under wraps.

As reported by CNN, the tropical storm, which is expected to become a Category Two hurricane, has disrupted the plans of all governors of Gulf Coast states in Isaac's path, who were planning to attend the convention; with some delaying departure and others cancelling. Florida Governor Rick Scott cancelled his opening day speech. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal may cancel his speech scheduled for Tuesday, which would make this the second Republican National Convention the governor has bowed out of due to the weather. Jindal cancelled his speech at 2008's convention when Hurricane Gustav hit New Orleans.

Some Democratic politicians' plans are also being ruined by Isaac. Vice President Joe Biden has cancelled a speaking engagement in Florida, scheduled to coincide with the Republican convention.