ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republicans are altering their convention plans because of Hurricane Gustav.

And John McCain says he has every expectation that the mistakes of the government's Katrina response three years ago will not be repeated.

McCain will be accepting the Republican nomination for president this week.

Speaking via satellite from St. Louis this afternoon, he discussed the storm briefing he and running mate Sarah Palin were given today at a command post in Mississippi and said coordination "appears to be excellent." McCain also said it's a time to do away with party politics and "act as Americans."

Campaign manager Rick Davis says tomorrow's opening program will be shortened and "business only," refraining from political rhetoric. He says further schedule adjustments will be made on a day-to-day basis.

Because of Gustav, President Bush and Vice President Cheney have scrapped their scheduled convention appearances tomorrow.