Former Iowa Congressman Jim Nussle — the current White House budget director — is in Iowa, extending the nation’s sympathies to the scouting community on behalf of the president. Four boy scouts were killed Wednesday night when a tornado struck a scout camp halfway between Omaha and Sioux City.
"We’re doing a couple of different things," Nussle said during a telephone interview with Radio Iowa. "First and foremost, delivering the condolences on behalf of the President of the United States and so many people around the country that are watching this in horror and their hearts are going out to the people of Iowa and the first responders and the families that have been affected by this." Nussle, a former Boy Scout himself, toured the scout camp at midday today with Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff. Nussle said they’re assessing the extent of damage. "Not only of the damage involving western Iowa but throughout Iowa as we continue to get a gut punch from these devastating storms," Nussle told Radio Iowa.