GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - Eileen McNeil will pack a raincoat and umbrella when she heads to Tampa Saturday.  Tropical Storm Isaac is bearing down on Florida, threatening to disrupt the Republican National Convention that starts Sunday.

"I'm just hoping the hurricane takes a strong left turn and heads out to the ocean but I think it's going to be great -I'm real excited," McNeil said Friday.

McNeil, a Grand Rapids Township resident who is VP at a public relations company, has been active in Republican politics for decades.   Her first experience as a delegate was in 1996, when Republicans nominated Bob Dole in San Diego.

She says the Michigan delegation will enjoy hotel accomodations close to the convention center, within a security perimeter.  That will save time and hassle.   It's likely Michigan's status as the birthplace of Mitt Romney helped secure that special status.

"Michigan's really in a prime position to do a lot in this election. We'll be a key state to watch - and we want to put it in the 'R' column in November," McNeil said.

For more on Michigan's GOP delegation go to: http://http://www.freep.com/article/20120824/NEWS15/308240112/Michigan-GOP-getting-star-treatment-convention-despite-breaking-rules