The Republican National Convention will begin in abbreviated form tomorrow. Mike Duncan, Republican National Committee chairman, said the party will adopt rules, elect officers, and adopt the party platform.

Sen. John McCain said he was optimistic that the mistakes of Katrina would not be repeated.

"As Governor Haley Barbour said, ?Pray for the best and prepare for the worst.' And I think that's what we're doing as a nation." McCain says he hopes normal operations will begin again shortly, but "some of that is frankly in the hands of God."

Update: CT will be covering Gustav developments on its liveblog.

Posted by Sarah Pulliam Bailey on August 31, 2008 3:09PM