RNC - Day 1 (26 images)

First Lady Laura Bush speaks on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 1, 2008. The Republican National Convention is proceeding with an abbreviated session today, only meeting for official business, due to Hurricane Gustav which is currently making landfall in Louisiana. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)

Texas delegates walk on the floor of the Republican National Convention during the first day at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 1, 2008. The Republican National Convention is proceeding with an abbreviated session today, only meeting for official business, due to Hurricane Gustav which is currently making landfall in Louisiana. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)

Mike Duncan, chairman of the Republican National Committee, opens the Republican National Convention, calling for donations for victims of Hurricane Gustav, on the first day in St. Paul, Minnesota, on September 1, 2008. The RNC is conducting official business only and will refrain from traditional political rhetoric as Hurricane Gustav makes landfall today in Louisiana and Texas.(UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)

Cindy McCain, wife of Republican Presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), speaks on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 1, 2008. The Republican National Convention is proceeding with an abbreviated session today, only meeting for official business, due to Hurricane Gustav which is currently making landfall in Louisiana. (UPI Photo/Alexis C. Glenn)