COULD WE SEE A CHANGE IN THE POLITICAL LANDSCAPE DUE TO KATRINA?

Not only has Hurricane Katrina spread death and destruction throught the Gulf South, she may very well be a significant influence in changing the political landscape of New Orleans and Louisiana.

Hundreds of thousands of Louisianians rushed to evacuate the havoc that occured nearly three weeks ago. Thousands of others that ended up seeking refuge in the Louisiana Superdome or the Morial Convention Centre, or being plucked from their roofs, have been sent to shelters throughout the nation. Many of those, primarily of lower income and mostly African-American, will likely never return as they will not have the means or desire to do so.

Louisiana, and especially Orleans Parish, are traditionally heavily Democratic areas. And while the residual anger over the government's slow response in the hours and days following the disaster will remain for some time, the loss of so many potential Democratic voters due to the evacuation/relocation could mean bad news for the party over the long term. Mayor C. Ray Nagin was actually a Republican and staunch Bush supporter, only switching his party affiliation a short time before declairing his candidacy...and many believe it was simply a decision of convenience.

Just a random thought for your consideration...