[img_assist|nid=2122|title=U.S. Rep. John Shadegg|desc=Getty Images Photo|link=none|align=none|width=420|height=337]ST. PAUL, Minn. - Hurricane Gustav, which all but shut down the evening session at the Republican National Convention here today, is effectively a net negative for Republican presidential candidate John McCain, U.S. Rep. John Shadegg (R-Phoenix) told PolitickerAZ.com.

Shadegg urged the Arizona delegation at a St. Paul Hotel breakfast meeting this morning to keep in mind those in the Gulf Coast affected by the storm during their participation in the festivities this week. He said McCain was wise to recognize the sensitivity surrounding the timing of the convention and to cancel tonight’s session.

But, he said, the suspension of the first night – which had originally included addresses from President and Laura Bush and Vice President Cheney – was more bad than good for the campaign.

Asked if the coinciding of the storm and the convention was giving McCain an opportunity to demonstrate leadership, Shadegg said it had, but indicated that McCain had already shown voters throughout his career he was a leader and that with the cancellation, “You lose a day of viewership and ratings.”

“So I don’t know that the storm is a net positive. I think the storm is a net negative in terms of the campaign because there would have been symbolism tonight in the floor session,” he added.