Gov. Rick Snyder from GOP convention

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Political parties are getting down to business making it official.

The Republicans started their convention Monday in Tamps under a bit of a storm cloud, causing the big party to start with a whimper instead of a bang.

With Tropical Storm Isaac bearing down on the GOP convention, most of the activities planned for Monday were canceled or moved.

==Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder was in Tampa Monday for the convention and spoke to 24 Hour News 8's Rick Albin. Watch that interview above.==

But despite happening during what is expected to become a hurricane, there are several things that Republicans both want and need to do.

There will be a heavy emphasis on Mitt Romney as a family man. The campaign wants to close what some see as a likability gap.

On many economic issues, Romney polls well -- but Democrats have been portraying him as a rich and out of touch big business man. Those accusations have, in the mind of some GOP pundits, kept Romney from being more competitive in some key swing states.

The convention in Tampa will attempt to define him as a loving, devoted, engaged family man.

Romney's sons and wife Ann will be on hand. Mrs. Romney helps with some key demographics that the Romney-Ryan ticket want to attract. She will have a primetime speaking role.