Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney addresses supporters gathered for a "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
KETTERING, OH -- In a move to dampen down politics in the immediate wake of Hurricane Sandy's historic damage to portions of the country's eastern seaboard, former Massachusetts governor and current Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney turned an originally scheduled political rally into a "storm relief event" in Ohio on Tuesday afternoon. Kettering's Trent Arena hosted the gathering that was originally billed as a "victory rally" and was supposed to have Arizona senator John McCain and NASCAR racing legend Richard Petty in introductory speaking roles. Randy Owen, country music performer and former lead singer of the group Alabama, performed several songs and provided personal testimony about disaster relief after tornadoes ripped deadly swaths through several Southern states back in April 2011.
Near-wintery conditions lashed attendees waiting to enter Kettering's Trent Arena for the "storm relief event" on Tuesday
After making brief remarks shortly before noon, Romney joined several other Ohio and Dayton-area politicians (which included US senator Rob Portman, US representative Mike Turner, and Ohio state senator Peggy Lehner) behind a line of folding tables set up to receive food and other supplies donated by supporters. According to the campaign, these items were being gathered for shipment to areas in need in New Jersey and other storm-affected states. Monetary donations to the American Red Cross and other charitable organizations were also encouraged. Despite the raw weather conditions caused by remnants of Sandy, over 2,000 people attended this event. Romney's running mate, Wisconsin representative Paul Ryan, also held relief events at campaign offices in his home state. Both men were scheduled to return to general election campaigning on Wednesday.
Volunteers inspect food donations past security checkpoints at the Romney "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Romney supports await the start of the "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Country music performer Randy Owen entertains attendees at the Romney "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Country music performer Randy Owen, right, entertains attendees at the Romney "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney thanks supporters for their donations at a "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney thanks a young supporter for his donation at a "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Donations were piled in a corner of the Trent Arena at the "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney shakes an organizer's hand as he exits a "storm relief event" in Kettering, Ohio on Tuesday
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