By Carl Sullivan 

While Hurricane Gustav has wreaked havoc on the Republican convention's schedule, the Louisiana delegation that made its way to St. Paul has been especially distracted. "There's no question that our delegation is torn in our hearts and in our thoughts because we've been glued to the television, talking on the telephones, trying to get updates on what's happening," said state Rep. Kay Katz from the subdued floor of the convention Monday afternoon. "That's upset us a good bit, but we also understand that we've been charged to be here, to cast a vote so that we can place a nominee on the ballot." 

When First Lady Laura Bush appeared on stage moments later, no delegation cheered louder, except for maybe the large Texas group dressed in matching denim shirts and cowboy hats. Bush and Cindy McCain, in a brief appearance, urged attendees to contribute to hurricane-related charities.

"It's been tough for the whole delegation," said Aaron Baer, a spokesman for the state GOP. He said three to four delegates of the state's 47 delegates and 44 alternates left St. Paul to head back to Louisiana, and another handful of delegates canceled plans to attend. Many in his group were wearing red ribbons on their lapels in solidarity with their neighbors back home.

On Monday, the McCain campaign provided air transportation for Louisiana delegates who wanted to head back to the Gulf, and on the way back, ferried some family members to St. Paul so they could join delegates already here.

Lloyd Harsch, an alternate from New Orleans, said he never considered canceling his trip; he had to evacuate his home in the Gentilly neighborhood anyway. Late Monday, Harsch said the levee that's about a half mile from his house appeared to be holding, though he had heard of flooding in some other parts of the city.

Convention organizers continued to downplay politics on Monday, which delegates from Gulf Coast states seemed to appreciate. Still, Louisiana delegates were quick to praise new Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, drawing an unspoken contrast to the previous Democratic incumbent, Kathleen Blanco, who was criticized, along with President Bush, for her handling of Hurricane Katrina. "We have a lot of faith that Gov. Jindal did a good job of preparing the state and getting people out long before the storm hit." Baer said. "If there's anyone we can trust to help the state through this, it's him."

Katz, who represents Monroe, about five hours north of New Orleans, said she was proud of the state's response to Gustav--a pride that no one felt after Katrina. "We have over 7,000 evacuees in our small town now," she said, pointing to the housing of refugees all across the state. "We still don't know the full extent of the damage. We have hope--but we know it's not over 'til it's over."