An enlightened gerrymander?

For all their perceived differences, East New Orleans and St. Bernard Parish residents really do face a lot of the same problems.

(Willard-Lewis) said that should resonate to St. Bernard residents who have endured the same struggles as black and white New Orleanians who have worked to rebuild homes and businesses. "As to demographic and political differences, I think people will come around to what we have in common rather than obsess over racial distinctions and party identities," she said.

Morrell sounded a similar tone: "What I've heard in talking with St. Bernard residents is a mistrust and hopelessness about state government, from the Road Home to hazard mitigation and anything else. It's the same I've heard in New Orleans. No difference across skin color or neighborhood."