The Romney campaign adjusts to the Sandy political moment:
Governor Romney’s concern is the safety and well-being of those in the path of Hurricane Sandy. For those who have inquired as to our activities and preparations in light on the storm, we cancelled our Virginia and New Hampshire events to ensure we do not put people in danger and do not tie up first-responders. Gov. Romney has also been in touch with Governors Bob McDonnell and Chris Christie about storm preparations, and we will continuously monitor the situation.
In North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia, we will be collecting supplies at our Victory offices to deliver local storm-relief. In Virginia, we are loading storm-relief supplies onto the Romney bus to be delivered.We have also currently suspended fundraising emails to the following states: DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York. And, in case you missed it, Gov. Romney tweeted and posted to his Facebook page encouraging people to support the Red Cross. We also have a promo box on the homepage of our website directing visitors to the Red Cross website for donations.
Please also see the below note from Gov. Romney, sent yesterday to states in the path of the storm, saying to “Please Take Care” as Americans prepare for the storm:
Tonight, Ann and I are keeping the people in Hurricane Sandy’s path in our thoughts and prayers.I hope that if you can, you’ll reach out to your neighbors who may need help getting ready for the storm — especially your elderly neighbors. And if you can give of your resources or time, please consider supporting your local Red Cross organization — visit www.redcross.org to get involved.
For safety’s sake, as you and your family prepare for the storm, please be sure to bring any yard signs inside. In high winds they can be dangerous, and cause damage to homes and property.
I’m never prouder of America than when I see how we pull together in a crisis. There’s nothing that we can’t handle when we stand together.
Stay safe and God Bless,
Mitt Romney
Outside of the impacted areas, the campaign continues; Paul Ryan will be campaigning in Florida, where he will attend Victory Events at Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, the Florida Tech Clemente Center in Melbourne, and the Sun ‘n Fun Air Museum in Lakeland.
As for Governor Romney, he will visit Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin today. He will attend a Victory Event at Avon Lake High School in Avon Lake, Ohio, before visiting Iowa for a Victory Rally at Seven Cities Sod in Davenport, where he will be joined by wrestling legend Dan Gable. He will then campaign in Wisconsin at a Victory Rally at the Expo Center at State Fair Park in West Allis.
The president’s schedule is changing as well:
Statement by the Press Secretary on Additional Changes to the President’s Travel on Monday
Tomorrow, the President will return to the White House following his event in Orlando, FL, to monitor Hurricane Sandy, which is currently forecast to make landfall along the Eastern seaboard later tomorrow. The event in Youngstown, OH, will move forward with President Clinton and include Vice President Biden.
The President continues to be regularly updated on the storm. Today, he participated in an operations briefing at the National Response Coordination Center at FEMA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. During the briefing, FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate updated the President on ongoing deployments of teams and resources by federal partners to support state and local responders in potentially affected areas. The President also received an update on the storm from National Hurricane Director Rick Knabb, and later spoke directly with Governors and Mayors from potentially impacted states to ensure there were no unmet needs. The President continues to receive regular updates on the storm, and continues to direct his team to make sure all available resources are brought to bear to support state and local partners.
UPDATE: The president’s Florida political event this morning is canceled, and Tuesday’s campaign event in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is also canceled.