Republicans gavel open convention in Tampa, Florida

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Republicans have gaveled open their convention that will culminate with the nomination of Mitt Romney to be president.

Party Chairman Reince Priebus banged the gavel on an abbreviated Monday session as the threat of Tropical Storm Isaac forced the GOP to cram four days of speeches and videos into three.

A smattering of delegates, including members of the Texas delegation, attended the shortened session in the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The GOP still planned for vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan to deliver his speech on Wednesday and Romney to address the delegates on Thursday.