RNC cancels Monday events

Tampa, Fla. - With Tropical Storm Isaac threatening to become a hurricane as it heads for the Florida Keys, National Republican Committee, officials announced Saturday that they were canceling Monday events.

While RNC officials said they will gavel in the start of the convention early Monday, they will immediately move to recess till Tuesday-- essentially compressing four days into three.

“Federal, state and local officials assured that they are prepared to respond, if needed.

"The scheduling changes we are announcing today will help ensure the continued safety of all participants – our foremost concern,” said Republican National Convention President and CEO Bill Harris in a statement.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott also announced Saturday he would be canceling his speech at the convention, which was scheduled for Monday.

“I have made the decision to cancel my speech on Monday night at the Republican National Convention and will also cancel my other scheduled convention-related activities on Sunday and Monday, so that I can respond to storm-related matters,” Scott said in an email Saturday.

After RNC officials announced the change, Mitt Romney tweeted, “The safety of those in Isaac’s path is of the utmost importance. I applaud those in Tampa making appropriate schedule changes. ”

A new schedule for the three days will be put out Sunday, a RNC official told FLDemocracy.

In a conference call with reporters, RNC chair Reince Priebus said the decision to cancel Monday’s events was “a unanimous decision among members of the RNC, Romney staff, and officials who are conducting the convention. ”

Due to the statewide state of emergency, Vice President Biden, who was scheduled to travel to Orlando and St. Augustine on Tuesday, has postponed his Florida campaign events as well.