Isaac not keeping SC delegates from GOP convention

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina Republican Party Chairman Chad Connelly is making light of the state delegation’s distance from the convention in Tampa, Fla.

The delegations of both Florida and South Carolina are staying at a hotel 30 miles from the Republican National Convention, or more than an hour’s drive away. Delegates believe the location is a punishment for holding primaries earlier than party rules allowed.

During a Monday gathering, a Florida official welcomed attendees to primary purgatory. Connelly responded he’s happy to be in purgatory. He says he’d climb over broken glass to be there to nominate Mitt Romney.

Tropical Storm Isaac is not keeping the state’s GOP delegates from Florida, though some travel plans did change. Republicans pushed back the convention’s start from Monday in case Isaac passed closer to Tampa.