Like most GOP officials, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (Ky.) schedule has been turned upside down and he is still back home dealing with storm relief and evacuation.

A spokesman confirmed that McConnell is in Kentucky, where he is being briefed on emergency preparedness and evacuation in the Gulf Coast region. Some 1,000 evacuees are being sent to his state, according to the aide.

It is unclear when the top Senate Republican will arrive in St. Paul, Minn.

McConnell was slated to speak tonight, along with President Bush and Vice President Cheney. All speeches were canceled because of the storm. Monday’s activities have been reduced to official convention business such as approving the party platform.