According to several media outlets, including CNN, Republican nominee Mitt Romney and running mate Paul Ryan plan to campaign in Virginia this Thursday, October 4, a day after the first presidential debate. With country music artist Trace Adkins joining the candidates onstage, the hopefuls will host a Victory Rally at Augusta Expoland in Fishersville, about 30 miles west of Charlottesville.
Doors open at 4pm, and the event is expected to begin at 6pm. A press release advises attendees to prepare for “airport-like security,” and should bring as few personal items to the venue as possible.
To publicize the event, the Romney campaign bypassed local media and took to the sky, as Charlottesville residents reported seeing a small yellow airplane towing a banner announcing his upcoming arrival.
The Republican candidates have made numerous stops in Virginia, and Romney chose Norfolk as the location to announce Ryan as his running mate in August. All the attention is likely because the Virginia’s nine electoral votes are in hot demand, with both camps counting on the Commonwealth for victory.
Several national polls show Romney is trailing Obama in Virginia, with Fox News giving the president the largest lead at seven points.