Louisiana Declares State of Emergency for Hurricane That Will Hit Mexico

Do you think the governor of Louisiana is a little gunshy after her poor performance during Katrina (and her upcoming reelection)? How about this:

BATON ROUGE - In anticipation of potential impact to Louisiana, Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Dean continues its progress across the Caribbean Sea. She has also requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration to ensure Federal assets are available to Louisiana prior to the potential landfall of Dean.

"These declarations are a necessary step that allows the state to move quickly if need be," Governor Blanco said. "I urge all citizens to be personally prepared, listen to your local officials and monitor your local media as this storm progresses. Please make sure your plans to get to safety should evacuation be in order. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best."

Right now Hurricane Dean is west and south of Jamaica and when it makes landfall, it will likely be somewhere a couple hundred miles south of the Texas/Mexico border. I can't help but wonder if this declaration is just a way to get some Federal funds and make her look like she's on the ball...this time.