GOP expects to open convention Monday, despite storm

WASHINGTON - Republican officials say they are moving forward with plans to hold the Republican National Convention on Monday as scheduled, despite an approaching tropical storm.

Convention CEO William Harris said Thursday he's continuing preparations and is working with Mitt Romney's presidential campaign, the National Weather Service and Florida officials to track the impact of Tropical Storm Isaac.

The storm is approaching hurricane strength. It's expected to move into the Gulf Coast early next week, just as thousands of GOP delegates and journalists pour into Tampa.

Harris says Florida officials have assured convention planners they have enough resources in place to respond to the storm should it make landfall. He says the primary concern is for those in the storm's path.

Tampa-area law enforcement says that the storm could complicate convention security.