Flood victims wonder about Obama snub

WEST WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - President Obama's decision not to tour the flood damage in Rhode Island has left some residents bewildered.

The President was in New England Thursday for a speech on health care and two democratic fundraisers. He made an unannounced stop at the Massachusetts Emergency Management headquarters in Framingham, but did not make a detour to Rhode Island.

Flood victims in West Warwick said a presidential visit would bring a sense of security.

"It gives people hope. It gives them confidence that everything is going to be OK, and everything is going to be restored, said Ray Lamourux.

"I don't see why the president wouldn't come," added Jessica Lamourux. "Just to let people know that something is on the way, and something is being done."

President Obama s poke to Governor Donald Carcieri by phone Thursday night , and promised to help the state with whatever it needed to clean up the flood damage .

Governor Carcieri's office said the governor is happy with the federal response so far.

Rhode Island's congressional delegation also said Thursday federal aid was more important than a presidential visit.