Trouble in the Crescent City

The Oracle just returned from New Orleans, where locals are vigorously debating whether Louisiana was shortchanged by the federal government due to partisan politics or due to the ineptness of its governor. The argument was renewed by statements by former FEMA director Michael Brown, who's comments both during and since the federal response to Katrina reveal him to be one of the most incompetent men to ever hold federal office (a designation that requires a considerable level of incompetence), that Louisiana got less assistance because Bush administration officials thought that "she's a white, female Democratic governor and we have a chance to rub her nose in it." Mississippi, led by Republican governor Haley Barbour, has received more aid per capita than Louisiana.

Brown lacks the subtlety to save his own reputation, and much of the population of Louisiana isn't buying this. Local talk radio contrasted the coordinated efforts of Mississippi's Washington delegation with the disorganized and competitive efforts of various Louisiana interests. Meanwhile, Blanco's poll numbers have shrunk to levels that have caused speculation that she will change her mind about seeking re-election.