Delegates endorse low-key convention

MINNEAPOLIS -- North Carolina state Rep. Rick Killian's plane had barely landed at the airport when a message flashed into his Blackberry, explaining that this week's GOP convention would be scaled back and toned down due to Hurricane Gustav.

Killian, a delegate from Charlotte, said he read the message to three other North Carolina delegates with whom he was sharing a cab ride and got nods of agreement on the course GOP officials were taking.

"It's not nearly as much of as a problem for us as it is for folks in the Gulf Coast," said Mecklenburg County party chairman Lee Teague, another delegate who was in the cab.

In interviews Sunday night, the North Carolina delegation heartily endorsed their party's move to shrink the convention in recognition of the looming natural disaster.

"I don't think any American is going to feel like partying tonight," said Jackie Wieland, an investment adviser, who is a delegate from Greensboro. She has two friends from New Orleans who are going to stay at her house in North Carolina.

Delegates talked up ideas to turn parties into fundraisers or blood drives, but no firm plans were in place yet.

"The energy and willingness of delegates to serve will be channeled in some way,'' said N.C. Rep. David Lewis of Dunn.

"Ultimately, that's what it is all about -- the people,'' said Lynda Daves of Charlotte, who is chairwoman of the state party.

Some still hope to see McCain deliver a formal acceptance speech (GOP officials have delayed making any decisions beyond Monday), but they quickly emphasized that they are glad to be at the convention regardless of what the proceedings look like.

"I've been looking forward to this since last spring," said Killian, one of the first North Carolina politicians to endorse McCain.