The head of Virginia's Republican Party today urged the state's delegates to tone down their attire as they prepared for the first, shortened day of the Republican National Convention.

"No wild and crazy hats or buttons that blink," Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick, the chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, told the delegation as Hurricane Gustav was bearing down on the Gulf Coast.

He also cautioned against overheated political rhetoric.

U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake, R-2nd, of Virginia Beach, who is in a tight re-election race with Democrat Glenn Nye, was among the speakers who were not showcased as planned today Drake said she was disappointed, but understood the circumstances.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.