Clinton: Visiting La. would be distraction to flood relief efforts

Hillary Clinton called Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) Friday to discuss the deadly flooding in the state, the Democratic presidential nominee said in a statement.

{mosads}”The flooding there is bigger than anyone expected — more than 40,000 homes have been damaged and more than 100,000 people have been affected,” Clinton wrote on her Facebook page. 

“My heart breaks for Louisiana, and right now, the relief effort can’t afford any distractions. The very best way this team can help is to make sure Louisianans have the resources they need.”

Some 40,000 homes have been damaged, and at least 13 people are dead in Louisiana in what’s been called the worst U.S. storm since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 

In her post, Clinton encouraged supporters to donate to the Red Cross or the Baton Rouge Area Foundation. She also sent the message out in an email to supporters with links to donation pages for both organizations.

“These are our friends, our family members, our community — and they’re counting on us to reach out with open arms right now. This team has done so much for me,” she said.

“Now I’m asking you to show that same support to the victims in Louisiana, so that we can begin to rebuild together.”

President Obama similarly has put off a visit to the area, which the governor said would divert emergency resources to security.

Clinton’s Republican rival, Donald Trump, and his running mate, Mike Pence, visited Baton Rouge Friday.