Pawlenty: RNC must go on

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- Despite Hurricane Gustav, the Republican National Convention must go on, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Sunday.

"The convention has to go forward. The question is what it looks like," the Republican governor said in an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" program.

The Republican National Convention begins Monday in St. Paul, Minn. Already, President George Bush said he would not attend. He is going to the emergency services command center in Austin, Texas, instead.

Arizona Sen. John McCain will accept his party's presidential nomination in St. Paul, along with his vice presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Critics say Palin, a first-term governor and former small-town mayor, lacks the national and foreign policy experience to step in as president if necessary.

Pawlenty, who was on McCain's list of potential running mates, said Palin, 44, is a solid candidate.

"I think Senator McCain has picked a candidate here who complements and amplifies his strength -- a maverick with a record of reform, somebody who is willing to take on the establishment, even if that means the Republican establishment," he said.