Convention fundraises for hurricane relief

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Republicans are trying to steer clear of frivolity at their party's national convention, converting parties and rallies into fundraising drives for victims of Hurricane Gustav.

...Political conventions typically aim to recharge the batteries of the party faithful, usually through glitzy galas. But Gustav has led Republican leaders to replace some revelry with outpourings of compassion - and money - for hurricane victims.

...On Monday morning, the Florida delegation canceled a pool party scheduled for Thursday and began soliciting donations for the American Red Cross and another unnamed charity to aid Florida victims of last month's Tropical Storm Fay.

"This is not our finest hour, this is our most appropriate hour," said state Republican chairman Jim Greer, who set a $10,000 goal for the delegation...

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