ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – Maine delegation leaders say canceling highlights to the Republican National Convention was an appropriate response given the threat to the Gulf Coast posed by Hurricane Gustav.

Maine Republican Chairman Mark Ellis told Maine Public Radio that the party will take care of the required convention business at hand, but he believes the decision to suspend the prime-time program for the convention’s first night and all daytime activities is “very appropriate.”

Delegation Chair Josh Tardy, the Maine House GOP leader, says the sentiment among the convention-goers is one of understanding and concern.

Tardy acknowledges there’s disappointment that many of the high-profile convention activities are canceled – but he says the threat of a hurricane is disappointing too.