Former California state Treasurer Matt Fong said the delegation to the Republican National Convention will easily adjust to the change of events this week because of Hurricane Gustav in the Gulf Coast.

"In California, we deal with earthquakes that give no notice," said Fong, a state delegate from Southern California to this week's convention. "We'll adjust and do fine."

Fong said he would describe the mood among delegates as very positive, noting that U.S. Sen. John McCain's selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential pick seemed to blunt any momentum Democrats might have had after their convention last week in Denver.

"There's a lot of momentum for us," Fong said. "I sense a surge right now.

"As I came here, I travelled through Dallas and saw some friends there, and they were really enthusiastic," he added.

Fong, elected treasurer in 1994, was unsuccessful in attempting to unseat U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Rancho Mirage) in 1998. He did not run for another term as treasurer that year, and was succeeded by Democrat Phil Angelides.