Delegates on Hold ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA (WXXI) - New York delegates were in a holding pattern at the Republican National Convention, as they awaited further word about Hurricane Gustav and the downsized convention plans, and mulled news that their Vice Presidential candidate's 17 year old daughter is pregnant.

Republican State Party Chair Joe Mondello says Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain has done the right thing by truncating the convention plans, and predicts the public will approve of the party's decision to tone down the festivities.

"They're going to see the maturity in the Republican Party in the way we handle this situation," said Mondello, who said he hopes the public looks at the GOP's behavior, and determines they are the right party to run the country.

He describes Republicans as "people who are sensitive, and know how to conduct themselves in time of strife and trouble".

Mondello was feeling optimistic that the hurricane might not be as bad as anticipated, and that the convention could get back on track by midweek.

The news that Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's daughter is five months pregnant, and plans to have the baby and marry the father, came as delegates were scattering for the convention center and site-seeing trips. Congressional candidate and former Assemblymember Bob Straniere says he thinks that can be a positive, because it shows that the Palin family truly lives their values.

"What's wonderful is that she's not going to have an abortion," said Straniere. "She's going to give birth to a child who we hope will be healthy, and will be raised in a wonderful, loving family."

Straniere says the Palin's situation is a reflection of the "reality of what goes on in families all over America".



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