RNC delegate: 'We already do a lot for the people of New Orleans' David Edwards and Mike Sheehan

Published: Monday September 1, 2008





Print This Email This Jim Ellison, a delegate from Oregon at the Republican National Convention, told C-SPAN that he doesn't agree with the decision to curtail events at the Republican convention due to Hurricane Gustav.



"The fact is," said Ellison, "hurricanes happen. We didn't stop anything for Florida, and New Orleans has certainly been through it. President Bush in his wisdom has put qualified FEMA people in place. They're ready for it."



Ellison continued, "I don't think we should have interfered with our convention because we already do a lot for the people of New Orleans."



First-day proceedings at the RNC were scaled back in light of the hurricane. President Bush and Vice President Cheney both canceled their appearances as well.



This video is from C-SPAN, broadcast September 1, 2008.









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An earlier version of this story paraphrased the delegate as saying, We already do enough for New Orleans.



