What could be more helpful in the midst of a hurricane than a politician? If there is flooding in New Orleans, I’m sure the victims will say, “Don’t send food, water, money, medical supplies–send us candidates!”

While Bush and other great samaritan-statesmen are skipping out on the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, so they can be ready for the photo op in case of natural disaster, Ron Paul’s Rally for the Republic in Minneapolis is still on and picking up momentum. The big event at the Target Center tomorrow will have over 10,000 people, dwarfing the gathering in St. Paul. Turnout was impressive at an intense, nine-hour political technology training session the Paul people held yesterday, with about 600 activists. NBC camera crews got some footage at the beginning and, from what I hear, they were “amazed.” They’ll be astonished tomorrow.