Influence Alley

Midwesterners have always had a reputation for being friendlier, but it turns out they may also be more understanding. The Alley caught up with a group of Kansas delegates on their way to lunch who weren't the least bit perturbed by the curves Tropical Storm Issac has thrown their way. 

"We're from Kansas. We don't care about hurricanes or tornados, we just want to go to the show," said former Rep. Todd Tiahrt, a national committeeman. 

He said he understood the need to cancel today's events and thought it wise that Republican officials were leaving open the option of bagging more days if needed. 

"We are so serious about hurricanes ever since Katrina so we're very sensitive to the people affected. We don't want to party up when people are hurting. Hopefully, it'll just wind down before it does any more damage," he said. 

Celia Beymer, the vice chair of Kansas' first congressional district, said Republicans would roll with the punches. 

"The passion we all feel for moving the Republican platform forward, we'll do whatever it takes. We're here for business," she said. "No matter what, the business will get done."

Kelly Arnold, the vice chair of the Kansas Republican Party, said he was enjoying the unexpected day off today, taking a group of delegates to the forum where they checked out the convention floor and met some celebrity journalists and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. 

"If, at the end of the day, more of the convention is cancelled, I understand that. We're here to support not just Republicans, but our fellow countrymen," he said.