A subdued opening to Republican Convention

A low key opening for the Republican convention in Tampa.

With Tropical Storm Isaac churning through the Gulf of Mexico convention plans were scaled back. It's a move that could complicate plans to showcase Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney to voters ahead of the election battle against Democratic President Barack Obama.

Romney in Boston Monday is optimistic about the convention.

REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE MITT ROMNEY, SAYING:

"I like my speech. I really like Ann's speech. Our sons are already in Tampa and they say it's terrific there, a lot of great friends. And, we're looking forward to a great convention.

Not everyone in Tampa has the welcome mat out.

Hundreds of demonstrators staged their own protest in Tampa.

With Romney running even with Obama or slightly behind him in most opinion polls, he will be looking for a bounce from the convention, particularly in the swing states likely to decide the election.