If Ahmadinejad tries to get to Ground Zero today, as this NBC report posted less than an hour ago suggests…

Also fraying nerves in new York, Iranian officials suggested Ahmadinejad still plans to lay a wreath at 9-11′s ground zero.

and if I were a presidential candidate, I would try to be near New York City to join whatever protesters are on-scene.

Giuliani is in Maine, then New York City for a fundraiser – he could probably get there in time. I understand McCain is scheduled to be in Chicago and Wisconsin today. Romney’s in California. Hillary and Edwards are in Washington, D.C. – they could get to New York in a hurry, presumably. Obama starts the day in New York before heading to Chicago. I’m unsure what Fred’s schedule is…

UPDATE: Romney has a new radio ad up, tied to the current controversy:

ANNOUNCER: “On the eve of the fifth anniversary of 9/11, Harvard University invited former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to Boston. The same Mohammad Khatami who has supported the terrorist group Hezbollah, advocates destruction of Israel and stood by while Jews and Christians were persecuted.
“The Iranian wanted VIP treatment at taxpayer expense. But Governor Mitt Romney said, ‘No.’ Governor Romney called the invitation a ‘disgrace’ and refused to grant Khatami a police escort.
“Now another Iranian President is visiting America, coming to New York, and Governor Mitt Romney is leading the opposition.”
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: “We should be tightening our sanctions against Iran, not welcoming him to the world stage and I’ve called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations to withdraw that invitation. What we should be doing is indicting Ahmadinejad under the Genocide Convention.”
ANNOUNCER: “As Governor Mitt Romney did what was right, not what was politically correct. As President, he’ll do the same. Mitt Romney.”
GOVERNOR MITT ROMNEY: “I’m Mitt Romney and I approved this message.”
ANNOUNCER: “Paid for by Romney for President.”