Katrina question...

[dazzleman]

This is kind of a shallow question to ask right now, but do you think this will effect the 2006 and even 2008 elections?  The demographics in LA, MS, AL, are obviously going to change.

I don't think this will change voting patterns.  Republicans will blame the Democratic local and state government for the poor response, and Democrats will blame the Bush administration.  Nobody has to alter their previous opinions at all.

[dazzleman]

I don't think this will change voting patterns.  Republicans will blame the Democratic local and state government for the poor response, and Democrats will blame the Bush administration.  Nobody has to alter their previous opinions at all.

Im thinking more along the lines of people not returning to New Orleans.  W/O New Orleans, LA is about as solid for Republicans as Utah.

I think most people will return to New Orleans, or at least remain in the area.  I really don't see much of a change in the demographics.  The people who evacuated New Orleans aren't going to disappear.  Even if they go to other states, I don't think it changes the balance whereby the typical Republican candidate gets 55-60% of the vote in a normal presidential election.