Hurricane Gustav Hits Haiti, Jindal May Have To Miss Republican Convention

The Associated Press reports:

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Hurricane Gustav barreled into Haiti on Tuesday, toppling trees, dumping rain and sending global fuel prices soaring on fears the storm could become "extremely dangerous" when it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.

The hurricane roared ashore with top sustained winds near 90 mph (145 kph) at about 1 p.m. EDT, 10 miles (16 kms) west of the city of Jacmel and 40 miles (65 kms) from the capital of Port-au-Prince. Heavy rains pelted the area, bending palm trees and kicking up surf along waterfronts of dilapidated wooden buildings.

"If the rain continues, we'll be flooded," U.N. consultant Jean Gardy said from the southeastern town of Marigot.

CNN is reporting that the Hurricane's approach to the Gulf of Mexico may force Louisiana Governor and possible Republican vice presidential nominee Bobby Jindal to skip the Republican National Convention next week.

Three years to the week since Hurricane Katrina battered the Louisiana coast, some forecast models suggest the storm could pose another threat to the state next week.

Jindal, reported to be on John McCain's shortlist for VP, told reporters in Baton Rouge Tuesday afternoon he will not go to St Paul if the storm continues to move in a northwesterly track toward his state.

Considered to be a rising star in the Republican Party, Jindal is scheduled to deliver a high-profile address in prime time at the convention next Wednesday. But he said, "My first priority is with the state of Louisiana. Certainly if the storm continues to come our way, I'll change my travel plans."