As thousands travel to the Twin Cities in Minnesota this weekend for the start of the Republican National Convention, GOP officials are keeping an eye on the Gulf of Mexico as Tropical Storm Gustav churns toward the coast.

Republicans could delay the convention’s start if Gustav threatens. Otherwise, Republicans may be criticized for celebrating in Minnesota during a disaster elsewhere.

One Arkansas convention delegate said she thinks Republicans should press on with their convention, regardless of what happens with Gustav.

“The world doesn’t stop revolving on its axis because we have a hurricane. Neither does the United States,” said Anne Britton of Faytteville.

Britton said she was sympathetic to those in the storm’s path, but that “we need to show the world we’re capable of doing two things at once.”

Britton has been in Minneapolis-St. Paul for almost a week already to attend GOP caucus meetings.

To Joseph Wood, a Fayetteville delegate for John McCain, that the presumptive presidential nominee is even considering a delay shows his presidential ability.

“It’s him stepping out and acting as president,” Wood said. “He’s saying, ‘Hey, this is coming. We need to be ready.’”