WXXI: New York Delegates Begin Subdued Convention (2008-09-01)

New York delegates, like those in the rest of the nation, were subdued at the start of what normally would be a celebration, and were closely following news on Hurricane Gustav.

Ed Cox, a delegate, former U.S. Senate candidate and son-in-law of the late President Richard Nixon, said he didn't even want to talk about politics when potential tragedy was looming.

"The residents of the Gulf Coast are in our thoughts and prayers," said Cox.

Cox, who is from Long Island, says he grew up hearing stories of the hurricane that hit Long Island in 1938, which killed 300 people.

Congressman Peter King, of Long Island, says while his thoughts were with the people of Louisiana, he could not help being disappointed over what could be a lost opportunity for the Republican Party and it's candidate John McCain. King says a four day convention with the accompanying speeches give candidates an instant 5 to 10 percentage point boost in the polls.

"I don't see how we get that now," said King.

No notable politicians were spotted at an opening reception given by the RNC for delegates. Many of New York's top politicians and former elected officials were skipping the event, including former Governor George Pataki and Senate Leader Joe Bruno, and current Senate Leader Dean Skelos.