RNC Weathers Isaac; Another Wave of Primaries

• Severe storms a catalyst for different convention model
• AZ nominates Republican and Democratic candidates for Senate
• Another incumbent falls due to redistricting
• Primary results in AZ, OK, VT, and AK
• A conventional number: 2,061

Nearly four years ago today the Republican National Convention was commencing in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Hurricane Gustav was barreling towards the coast of several Gulf States resulting in a delayed start of the convention. This cycle, the convention has again started one day behind schedule due to Hurricane Isaac. For a week now the national media has been unable to resist the use of severe weather puns: “Isaac swamps RNC”, “GOP’s unexpected storm”, “Candidates blow into Tampa for RNC”, etc., etc. Prior to 2008, conventions were held in July or August, well before hurricane season began, but both parties decided in 2008 to hold their conventions after the Olympics in order to maximize press coverage and jumpstart campaigns going into the fall. However, with Isaac making more headlines than Romney, Democrats reorganizing their convention schedule around the NFL Kickoff Game (Giants vs. Cowboys!), and increased social media coverage, the likelihood of holding one day conventions as opposed to four is becoming more realistic.