RNC to unveil ‘national debt clock’ at convention

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Reince Priebus will introduce a “national debt clock” when he opens the GOP convention in Tampa, Fla., on Monday.

The clock, which will be mounted inside the hall at the Tampa Bay Times forum, will be activated at 2 p.m. EDT when the GOP meet convenes and count the growth in the nation’s debt during the convention. 

“This clock reminds every delegate and every American why we are here in Tampa — because America can and must do better,” said Priebus in a statement. “Every American's share of the national debt has increased by approximately $16,000 during the current administration.”

“Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan are the right leaders at the right time for America. They will turn this fiscal mess around, get people back to work and set our country on a strong foundation for generations to come," he added. 

The convention debt clock will begin counting at $15.9 trillion.

Republicans will have a brief session on Monday, with Priebus expected to open the convention and immediately recess until Tuesday.

Concerns about Tropical Storm Isaac, which moved past the Florida Keys this weekend, led convention organizers to cancel Monday’s events. The storm is expected to avoid hitting Tampa, with meteorologists saying it will make landfall near New Orleans on Tuesday or Wednesday as a Category 1 hurricane.