With their presidential nominee decided months ago, Republicans gathering in Florida this week for their national convention will be focused mainly on introducing a positive party agenda to voters and energizing their own rank and file ahead of the November election.
Mitt Romney, who secured his place at the top of the Republican ticket in late May, will officially accept his party's nomination in Tampa. And his recently selected running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, will introduce himself to most of the country.
But the chief purpose of the convention isn't Romney's coronation, but the unification of the party following a toughly fought primary and the rallying of the party foot soldiers who will knock on doors, post signs and get voters to the polls.
The event, which will convene Monday but not truly get underway until Tuesday afternoon because of Tropical Storm Isaac, will wrap up with a keynote address by Romney, who will cap an evening built around the theme "We believe in America."
"For the delegates, the most exciting thing will be seeing the whole team on the stage," University of South Florida political science professor Susan MacManus told The Washington Examiner.
"The vice-presidential and presidential nominee, the balloon drop -- it sounds corny, but it really is the moment for a lot of delegates," MacManus said. "They are the ground troops and are much more important this year because there are so many undecided voters they need to contact and energize."
The convention's roster of speakers features prominent party leaders like House Speaker John Boehner and rising stars like Sen. Marco Rubio. It includes Rick Santorum and Tim Pawlenty, two of Romney's former primary opponents.
Though party leaders have tried to steer clear of social issues that underscore divisions within the party and turn off independent voters, disagreements will at times be obvious.
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a former presidential contender, will almost certainly highlight the party's internal debate over abortion during what is planned to be a prime-time speech. Huckabee retained his speaking spot even though he's still supporting Todd Akin, a U.S. Senate candidate in Missouri, who ignited a national firestorm over abortion by claiming that victims of "legitimate rape" rarely get pregnant.
Romney and other party leaders denounced Akin's claim and called on him to step down, but Akin refused to quit.
"There are some seriously frayed edges" in the party, University of Florida political science professor Daniel Smith said. "This convention is all about trying to come out unified."
Following Huckabee is Ann Romney, who has grown increasingly proficient in energizing crowds on her husband's behalf.
Also speaking is New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a rising star once mentioned as a possible vice-presidential pick. He had already burned through more than half a dozen drafts of his speech days before he was to deliver it, mindful that it could set the course for his political future.
A highlight of the convention for many delegates will come when Ryan introduces himself to the nation. A young, energetic favorite of conservatives, Ryan "is someone who can get on that stage and fire them up and say 'let's go,' " MacManus said.
It's a moment that might remind delegates of 2008, when vice-presidential contender Sarah Palin lit up the convention hall. Palin isn't even on the roster at this year's event, a further indication of lingering divisions.
"It raises some questions," Smith said, "about how cohesive the party is."
