Republican National Convention Chairman Reince Priebus announced Saturday that the Tampa Bay area convention scheduled to start Monday will be postponed until Tuesday due to the expected arrival of Hurricane Isaac. "Due to the severe weather reports for the Tampa Bay area, the Republican National Convention will convene on Monday August 27th and immediately recess until Tuesday afternoon, August 28th," RNC Chairman Reince Priebus [said in a statement.](http://gop.com/news/chairmans-blog/chairman-priebus-memo-regarding-rnc-convention/) "After consulting with Governor Scott, NOAA and local emergency management officials, we are optimistic that we will begin an exciting, robust convention that will nominate the Romney-Ryan ticket." "Our first priority is ensuring the safety of delegates, alternates, guests, members of the media attending the Republican National Convention, and citizens of the Tampa Bay area. RNC Convention officials and the Romney campaign are working closely with state, local and federal officials, as well as the Secret Service, to monitor Tropical Storm Isaac and preserve Florida’s emergency management resources," Priebus went on to say. "Officials have predicted participants may encounter severe transportation difficulties due to sustained wind and rain. " In related news, Romney has a message for New Orleans as Issac is expected to hit landfall Monday, on the seventh anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans. ”Our thoughts are with the people that are in the storm’s path and hope that they’re spared any major destruction,"’ [Romney told an AP reporter. ](http://bostonglobe.com/news/politics/2012/08/27/romney-suggests-rnc-will-despite-threat-from-isaac/VWdYfgeAbOpf6DRwpIHbEP/story.html) When that same reporter asked whether he was considering canceling the convention, Romney replied: ”We’ve got a great convention ahead.”