My conservative pr (and yes they exist just as there a black conservatives) friends say similar things. She is an avowed socialist who has been locking horns with the governor and other conservative minded mayors. She is getting the spotlight in the lamestream media because she furthers their narrative. I expect one of them, likely CNN, will try to get an interview with her after Trump leaves or after his remarks to be contrarian. My friend told me that just before/after the storm hit she was live on local TV (yes the local channels had generators and plenty fuel) from a shelter crying and playing the victim instead of earning her money as an elected public official.
Regards.
i work in the utility industry, so most people are conservatives, even the union members. Every PR is know at work is hard-core conservative and old school RCC.