ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Republicans staged a subdued opening to
their storm-shadowed national convention on Monday, seeking aid for
the Gulf Coast victims of Hurricane Gustav as well as support to
send John McCain to the White House.
Personal news blended with the political when McCain's running
mate announced that her 17-year-old unmarried daughter was
pregnant. "We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and
even prouder to become grandparents," Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said
in a statement with her husband.
Outside the convention hall, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000
anti-war protesters smashed windows, punctured tires and threw
bottles as they marched through nearby streets. Police used pepper
spray on the demonstrators and made at least five arrests.
The convention was less than 15 minutes old when Mike Duncan,
chairman of the Republican National Committee, asked delegates to
take out their cell phones and text a five-digit code that would
make a donation to the Red Cross to help victims of the hurricane.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)