HURRICANES COULD BE A GODSEND FOR SOME POLITICOS

Of course, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita were terribly destructive. But to at least some political candidates, it provides an excuse if their fundraising doesn't reach expectations.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Scott Maddox used the hurricane card as one reason, along with his late entry into the race, to explain why contributions to his campaign were well behind his rivals. Now Congresswoman Katherine Harris (R - Longboat Key) seems to be following suit, according to the St. Petersburg Times political blog The Buzz.

"Out of respect and understanding of the Gulf Coast victims, we suspended fundraising for a few weeks. My campaign is realistic about our filing report, but your last minute help would be extremely appreciated," she said in an e-mailed fundraising solicitation last week.