Hurricane Sandy disrupts both campaigns

Both Romney and Obama cancel campaign events because of the hurricane

Published October 29, 2012 5:48PM (EDT)

President Obama and Mitt Romney have cancelled campaign events Monday due to Hurricane Sandy.

The President cancelled a rally in Florida, instead heading back to the White House where he convened an emergency meeting in the Situation Room. Romney announced that he would cancel an event in Wisconsin, scheduled for Monday, as well as his entire campaign schedule on Tuesday, "out of sensitivity for the millions of Americans in the path of Hurricane Sandy."

From the New York Times:

"Both campaigns have also halted campaign fundraising across the East Coast in favor of an appeal to donors for Red Cross contributions. And both camps warned their volunteers and staff who live in the path of Hurricane Sandy to remain safe despite an election that is now only eight days away."

Obama said in remarks from the White House this afternoon that Sandy is "going to be a big and powerful storm," adding that he's been meeting with governors of the states that will be hit to ensure that "there are no unmet needs."

When asked about his concern about the election, Obama said his first concern is with the people getting hit by the storm. But he added that he's "confident that we're ready" for the storm.


By Jillian Rayfield

Jillian Rayfield is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on politics. Follow her on Twitter at @jillrayfield or email her at jrayfield@salon.com.

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2012 Elections 2012 Presidential Elections Barack Obama Hurricane Sandy Mitt Romney