Romney cancels events, urges supporters to donate to Red Cross

AVON LAKE, OHIO -- Mitt Romney on Monday canceled some campaign events because of Hurricane Sandy and urged supporters to donate to the American Red Cross.

“I want to mention that our hearts and prayers are with all the people in the storm’s path. Sandy is another devastating hurricane by all accounts, and a lot of people are going to be facing some real tough times as a result of Sandy’s fury,” he said. “And so if you have the capacity to make a donation to the American Red Cross, you can go online and do that. If there are other ways that you can help, please take advantage of them because there will be a lot of people that are going to be looking for help and the people in Ohio have big hearts, so we’re expecting you to follow through and help out.”

He made the remarks just as his campaign announced that Monday night and Tuesday events were canceled because of the hurricane that is expected to make landfall Monday night, and has already caused evacuations, school closures and flooding across the Eastern Seaboard.

PHOTOS: Hurricane Sandy

“Gov. Romney believes this is a time for the nation and its leaders to come together to focus on those Americans who are in harm’s way,” said spokeswoman Gail Gitcho. “We will provide additional details regarding Gov. Romney’s and Congressman Ryan’s schedule when they are available.”

Romney is speaking at a noon event in Avon Lake, Ohio, and a later event in Davenport, Iowa, but canceled an event Monday night in Milwaukee. Events featuring his running mate Paul Ryan in Florida were canceled.

The campaign had already canceled events in New Hampshire and Virginia to avoid diverting first responders in states that will be affected by Hurricane Sandy. Romney has spoken with
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The campaign suspended fundraising emails in Washington D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland and New York. Supplies for evacuees are being collected at campaign offices in North Carolina, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The campaign’s website, Romney’s Facebook page and the nominee’s Twitter feed include a link to the Red Cross, and Romney urged supporters gathered at an Avon Lake rally to donate to the group.

Romney also sent an email to supporters in the path of the storm, urging them to be safe and to remove yard signs so they don’t harm people or property.

“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,” Romney wrote. “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.”

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