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McCain Optimistic About Fla.'s Readiness

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The Associated Press

Published: August 18, 2008

WINTER PARK - John McCain on Sunday was briefed on Tropical Storm Fay, which scuttled a political fundraiser and is threatening to reach Florida as soon as today.

McCain, the Republican nominee-in-waiting, visited the Orange County Emergency Operations Center near Orlando shortly after flying from Long Beach, Calif. Speaking to a pool of reporters, he was optimistic that local and federal officials will work together if the storm strikes.

"The good news is, obviously, no state is better prepared or organized to deal with whatever comes this way than the state of Florida," McCain told reporters.

McCain has long criticized the Federal Emergency Management Agency's reaction to Hurricane Katrina, which inundated New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast, blaming poor leadership in the storm's aftermath.

On Sunday he asked what would have to be done to mobilize federal help if Tropical Storm Fay strengthens into a hurricane and slams into parts of the Keys and South Florida as expected late today or early Tuesday.

So far, there is no FEMA involvement, officials said.

"We have assumed that for the first 72 hours we should rely on no one but ourselves. Because that's how long it takes for help to come," said Orange County Administrator Ajit Lalchandani.

McCain was scheduled to speak in Orlando today to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Obama was scheduled to speak Tuesday, followed by President Bush on Wednesday.

The storm canceled a Sunday evening McCain fundraiser in Miami. McCain said the move was made out of "an overabundance of caution."

"We hope this storm does not turn into a hurricane, but if it does, the damage is minimal," McCain said.

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