ST PAUL (Minnesota): Republican candidate John McCain said on Sunday the plans for the convention to nominate him for president would be altered because of the approach of Hurricane Gustav.

“I pledge that tomorrow night, and if necessary throughout our convention, we will act as Americans and not as Republicans because America needs us now,” McCain said.

McCain, his wife Cindy, and his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, toured the emergency management centre in Mississippi, a state that could be hit hard by the approaching hurricane.

“No matter what we are – Republican or Democratic – America needs us to do what all Americans have always done in times of disaster and challenge,” McCain told reporters.

The Bush administration was permanently blotted for its botched handling of the Katrina aftermath, and the Republicans were clearly concerned they are not seen participating in the typical party atmosphere that surrounds the gathering to formally nominate McCain and Palin.

Bush was criticised after Katrina struck because he stuck to a schedule that took him from his ranch in Texas on a two-day trip to Arizona and California.

McCain tore up his campaign schedule and went to Jackson, Mississippi, with Palin for briefings on the approaching storm. He was invited by Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour.—AP