TAMPA — Storm? What storm?
Despite fears of torrential rain and 45-mph winds, Republican delegates and protesters alike whooped here last night — even as Tropical Storm Isaac forced a postponement of today’s opening festivities before turning away from Tampa.
The massive kickoff bash, attended by thousands, went on at Tropicana Field in neighboring St. Pete two days before Mitt Romney will be nominated as the GOP presidential candidate.
“I was just joking with my friends from California — I’m in the midst of a hurricane party!” said Rep. David Dreier, the House Rules Committee chairman.
Free booze and food — pulled pork, chili-n-cheese nachos, Cuban sandwiches and paella with mussels and clams — fueled the party. On an elevated stage 20 feet above the ballpark-turned-party palace, showgirls did a belly-dance routine to pulsating electronic pop music.
Later, Tampa Bay Buccaneer cheerleaders performed to a recording of the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.”
“There are thousands of people here. There’s a lot of excitement. There’s young people, old people. It’s a great, diverse crowd,” said Brooklyn Republican Chairman Craig Eaton.
But not everyone in Tampa was cheering on the party’s presumptive nominee.
Rep. Ron Paul, who had challenged Romney in the primaries, threw his own politically charged party with a rally at which more than 12,000 railed against the GOP establishment.
The delegates and elected officials were able to party hard yesterday, since there is almost no official business on for today.
The delegates will meet at the Tampa Bay Times Forum and gavel the convention into session before going into recess until tomorrow.
Republicans shuffled the schedule to make sure the party’s biggest stars will still speak in prime time.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee was moved to Wednesday, and Florida ex-Gov. Jeb Bush now speaks Thursday.
Ann Romney speaks tomorrow, sharing time with the keynoter, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Veep nominee Paul Ryan speaks Wednesday, and Romney will accept the nomination Thursday.
Some events may be postponed if Isaac causes significant damage anywhere in the Gulf.
Additional reporting by Don Kaplan, Geoff Earle and Beth DeFalco