Republicans have gaveled open their convention that will culminate in the nomination of Mitt Romney as the party's presidential candidate.

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

Dozens of delegates attended the shortened session.

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