Obama set to return to Gulf region

CNN Wire Staff

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/POLITICS/06/04/obama.gulf.spill/story.obamagulf.gi.jpg caption="Grand Isle, Louisiana, Mayor David Camardelle speaks with President Obama last week." width=300 height=169]

President Obama is set to return to Louisiana on Friday for his second trip to the Gulf region in two weeks as the administration works to contain the BP oil spill and stay on top of what has now become a major political issue.

Among other things, Obama is scheduled to visit to Louisiana's Grand Isle and meet with local business leaders directly affected by the spill. He'll also meet with U.S. Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen - the federal government's response manager - and state and local elected officials.

Obama's latest visit comes as BP has finally started to siphon oil from the ruptured undersea well. BP is preparing to shut four vents on top of a containment cap from which oil has been escaping into the ocean. Closing the vents would greatly reduce the amount of oozing crude.

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