When disasters hit, politicians use them to show their constituents they really care about them.  They also want to prevent their opponents from using the disaster against them in political advertisements during the next election – and for some politicians this is the only reason they lift a hand to help.

Of course, there are a few elected officials who genuinely do care.

It’s important for politicians to show they care because we all remember President Bush and Hurricane Katrina.  Bush was strongly criticized for almost every move he made during the disaster.  Most of it was not deserved, but damage was done.  Politicians from every level understand that disasters are their time to shine or to fail miserably in the eyes of their constituents (and give their opponents some traction).

While Montana has not been hit by a disaster such as what Joplin (MO) suffered, Montanans are feeling the effects of too much rain and a spring thaw from an above-average snowpack.  Montana politicians have sprung into action to “offer assistance” to those affected by “historic flooding.”

So, let’s take a look at their responses:

With several years of political experience under his belt, but with less resources and personnel than our two U.S. Senators, U.S. Representative Denny Rehberg was easily the first one to hit my inbox with a plan, telling me that he “has taken immediate and decisive action to prepare the state and counties for the possibility of federal assistance in the wake of severe flooding in eastern Montana.”

I wondered, what is this “immediate and decisive action” he speaks of (not really, but I needed a lead-in for this quote).  I read a few more sentences and found this:

Montanans needing assistance can reach Rehberg’s office toll free in Montana by calling (888) 232-2626.  Rehberg’s staff can provide important information and contact numbers for individuals, small businesses and local officials during this crisis.

Rehberg has also been in touch with local Tribal and County officials and has has [sic] already taken the following steps:

1)  On Monday, May 23, Rehberg deployed Randy Vogel, a former police officer and now Rehberg’s State Director to the impacted regions to talk with officials and take photos of the damage, which he can then use to convey the reality of the situation to federal officials in Washington, D.C.

2)  On Tuesday, May 24 Rehberg staff will be available for Emergency Traveling Office Hours from 1-3 PM at the Big Horn County Courthouse to hear directly from those impacted by the flooding.

3)  Rehberg sent a letter to Governor Schweitzer offering any assistance necessary to help coordinate a seamless response between the different local, county, tribal, state and federal agencies involved.

4)  Rehberg sent a letter to Montana County Commissioners offering assistance and explaining what steps must be taken at a county level to expedite a federal emergency response.

You can read Rehberg’s press release HERE.

On Monday, Montana’s senior senator, Max Baucus, posted a letter on his website telling Montanans he had contacted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

The recent flooding has destroyed homes and businesses across Montana and families and communities are hurting.  As Montanans all across the state begin to reach helping hands out the [sic] their neighbors and show resilience in the face of tragedy, I’m urging our federal partners to do all they can to support this recovery,” Baucus said.  “My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of this recent disaster and all those who’ve come to their aid.

You can read Baucus’ press release HERE.

About 24 hours later, the junior senator from Montana, Jon Tester, sent an e-mail with his action plan:

U.S. Senator Jon Tester has directed his Montana staff to schedule 12 outreach meetings this week in communities across Montana impacted by severe flooding.

Tester’s representatives will be available to Montanans from Wednesday through Friday to discuss specific needs or access to assistance in the wake of this week’s historic flooding.

Montanans are always welcome to call Tester’s office toll-free at 866-554-4403, or visit any of his 8 field offices across Montana.

Tester’s outreach meetings are a follow-up to a letter he sent Monday to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, asking them to make their staffs “available to state, local and tribal officials so that appropriate resources can be delivered to communities severely hurt by flooding as efficiently as possible.”

You can read Tester’s press release and the location of his 12 Outreach meetings by clicking HERE.

You can make your own judgment about the quality and degree of “I Really Care” from the Montana Congressional delegation, but it’s also good to remember that political jockeying is involved in most everything – even disasters.