Mitt Romney to lead Katrina recovery

Boston's CBS station reports on it.

As the White House gears up for the massive job of rebuilding hurricane-stricken areas, there's been talk of bringing in someone like Governor Mitt Romney to oversee the project. And CBS4 News has learned there may be more to that than just talk.[...]

"It's an honor to have some people suggest that I should be a possible candidate to lead a reconstruction effort in New Orleans, but I'm happy being governor," Romney told CBS4 Political Analyst Jon Keller.

For a guy who claims disinterest in the job, Governor Romney seems to have given it a lot of thought.

"You begin by finding out what's really going on. Do a complete audit of the infrastructure, not just a financial audit but an audit of the people, of the capital in place, of the infrastructure, what has to be done, what the options are," Romney said.

And two top Republican sources tell CBS4 News that GOP officials have made tentative inquiries about Romney's availability to help guide the recovery. Romney aides say they're unaware of any such contact. But our source says while no offer has been made, Romney is "on everyone's short list for the job."

Meanwhile, Romney maintains it won't happen, as emphatically as someone can without flatly saying "no."

When asked if he could refuse a direct request from the president to become involved, Romney answered, "you know, I spoke some time ago with Andy Card and said ‘I'm here for my full term, don't come to me prior to my four full years in this term and, if I'm elected again, another four years.’"

Romney would be the fourth Massachusetts governor to resign or quit being a governor.

Gov. William Weld had to resign in 1997 after 6 years as governor in order to accept his nomination as Ambassador to Mexico. Gov. Celluci, who succeeded Weld, had to resign in 2001 to become Ambassador to Canada. Last but not least, Gov. Jane Swift, who succeeded Celluci, declined to run again in 2002 due to massive unpopularity. (Source: Scott P. at politics1)

Paul McCartney is very proud of his legacy.

Rita strikes the keys. Can FEMA get the job done correctly this time?

David Ortiz has extended the major league record for how many home runs a designated hitter has. He has hit 40 home runs as a DH this season, breaking Edgar Martinez' record of 37. Ortiz will tie Ted Williams' record of 26 home runs away from Fenway Park. Craig Hansen made his debut yesterday and was the 50th player this season. Hanley Ramirez will soon make his debut. So far, seven rookies have made their debut (Cla Meredith, Kelly Shoppach, Jon Papelbon, Craig Hansen, Adam Stern, Manny Declarmen, and Alejandro Machado). The club record is 55 players, set in 1996. This year's Red Sox team will come close.