New Orleans mayor urges Oregon Democrats to unite behind Obama

DENVER -- New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin urged Oregon delegates to unite behind Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama (D-Ill.) Wednesday, saying that Obama would bring change to the Federal Emergency Management Agency which he says was inept in its reaction to Hurricane Katrina when it struck New Orleans in 2005.

"FEMA is not an agency you want to deal with," Nagin told the breakfast of about 100 people. "My hope is that Barack Obama will retool the agency. You know, three years ago, right after the storm, Senator Obama came down to New Orleans and pledged his support. Senator McCain, I don't think he showed up till after he received the nomination."

Nagin also told the delegates that as the election cycle heated up, they had to be sure to remember their goal of electing Obama even as he was attacked.

"They're going to throw the kitchen sink at Obama," Nagin said. "But I think, just like a hurricane, that cone of probability is set for the Democrats. That cone of probability is before us, and Barack Obama can bring us the change we need."

Friday is the third year anniversary of when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans.