Former Governor Tommy Thompson says Wisconsinites can relate and appreciate the strong first response to the gulf state storms. With record snow storms and floods plaguing the state recently, and even some under Thompson's tenure, he says people become “hardened” by such disasters meaning they learn how to better prepare for them. He adds federal and local officials are doing a much better job in responding to Hurricane Gustav than the pre-Katrina approach.
In St. Paul, activities at the Republican National Convention are being curtailed to focus on the gulf region's woes. The schedule is being determined day-by-day and with Sarah Palin as the party's first female running mate it creates a “mystique” surrounding the GOP going into the election, according to Thompson.
He also criticized Barack Obama's decision to hold a rally in Milwaukee while Republicans eliminated their speechs at the convention.
“It shows the difference between the two political parties, I'm shocked that he's doing it.”
Obama is speaking Monday night to a sold out crowd at the Marcus Ampitheatre on Summerfest Grounds.
