CUYAHOGA FALLS: Mayor Don Robart is hoping for a crowd at GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s rally this evening that equals or surpasses the turnout for President George Bush’s visit in 2004.
That appearance attracted 15,000 people.
As of Monday afternoon, about 9,500 tickets had been given out for Romney’s rally at 7:30 p.m. outside the Natatorium, 2345 Fourth St.
“I’ve been getting calls from people I haven’t heard from in five years wanting tickets,” Robart said. “Suddenly, we’re best friends.”
This will be Romney’s first appearance in Summit County of this campaign. He will be joined by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
“It should be an exciting time,” Robart said.
Tickets will be given out until 3 p.m. today at the following locations: Stow campaign office, 3889 Darrow Road; Kent campaign office, 175 E. Erie St.; Wadsworth campaign office, 300 Weatherstone Drive, Suite 107; and Summit County GOP headquarters, 1755 Merriman Road, Suite 250 in Akron. They also are available at www.mittromney.com/OH.
Security, closings
Robart doesn’t expect too much inconvenience caused by the event, though the Natatorium will be closed all day. (Annual and monthly passes will be extended by one day.)
A few streets will be blocked off before and after the event to allow the motorcade through, according to the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department.
Gates will open at 5 p.m., with Robart expected to kick off the program at 7 p.m., and Romney and Christie scheduled to take the stage about 7:30 p.m.
The event will be held rain or shine.
Those who attend will go through airport-like security and should bring as few items as possible.
No bags, sharp objects, umbrellas, liquids or signs will be permitted in the venue. Cameras will be allowed, according to the campaign.
Chris Maloney, the spokesman for Romney’s campaign in Ohio, said the GOP nominee will “offer a bold, clear choice between his vision for American leadership and strengthening the middle class and President Obama’s broken promises and failed economic policies.”
The Romney campaign will have a big presence in Ohio this week.
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, the vice presidential candidate, appeared in Swanton near Toledo on Monday. Christie is scheduled to visit Lordstown at 2:15 p.m. today.
On Wednesday, Christie and Romney will make midday stops in Mount Vernon and Delaware. Romney and one of his sons will appear at the Shelby County Fairgrounds in Sidney at 6:15 p.m.
Romney and Ryan will return to the Buckeye State for a rally in Lancaster on Friday, according to the campaign.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @swarsmith. Read the Beacon Journal’s political blog at www.ohio.com/blogs/ohio-politics.
