Katrina refugees could impact Texas vote

HOUSTON, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Displaced people living in Texas after Hurricane Katrina ruined New Orleans see the March 4 Democratic presidential contest as a chance to voice their concerns.

Nearly a quarter-million people moved to Texas after Katrina flooded New Orleans in 2005. Most feel neglected by the Bush administration and see the upcoming contest as a chance to finally have their say, The Washington Post said Monday.

The evacuees interviewed by the Post said they were angry that the Louisiana Democratic race went unnoticed and the only candidate to give New Orleans any notable attention, former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., dropped out of the race in January.

The Post interviewed several people across Houston and found the majority of the evacuees are likely to back Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in the March 4 race as blacks make up about 30 percent of the vote. Ten percent of those are thought to be Katrina refugees.

Most of those interviewed said rebuilding New Orleans was their primary motivating factor in the presidential race and said they want a president who can do some positive things for those still affected by Hurricane Katrina.