Anticipating Hurricane Rita (still in the Gulf of Mexico, but a Category 5 'cane with winds at 165 MPH), President Bush declared a state of emergency for Texas and Louisiana, mobilizing federal assistance. He spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalitions Anniversary Luncheon in Washington, and also met with R and D Senate leaders to discuss the upcoming O'Connor USSC vacancy (as he did before nominating Judge Roberts). Bush met with the speaker of Iraq's Transitional National Assembly, Hajim al-Hassani, in the Oval Office. Welcome to Sanity Island!