ST. PAUL, MINN--With Hurricane Gustav to hit on Monday, the first day of the Republican convention, John McCain just suspended all non-necessary activity on Monday. McCain spoke from St. Louis about the impending natural disaster in the gulf region of the U.S.

Republican National Committee chair Mike Duncan said at a press conference at the Xcel Center here, said the essential party business will be conducted: approval of platform, etc. in an abbreviated session.

Campaign manager Rick Davis said the "program will be business only and refrain from political rhetoric." The session will open at 3 p.m. central and last about two or two-and-a half hours.

What happens Tuesday and will depend on conditions in the wake of the storm.

"We do expect all of the speakers to speak at some point," though it is not clear when of if this will happen, Davis said.

All that is needed to conduct official business is a quorom of delegates, so if some leave, official business can be conducted.

McCain fund-raisers will be asked to turn their efforts to raising money for victims of the storm, Davis said.