Mitt Romney at a campaign rally in Manassas earlier this year. George Allen is on the far left. Ann Romney stands between them. Photo by: KJ Mushung

By: KJ Mushung,
Newspaper Training Director

As the 2012 presidential and senate races near Election Day, candidates scramble to fit as many campaign stops into their schedules as possible. But because they can’t be everywhere, surrogates — others who appear and speak in support of their campaigns — are stepping in to help.

Bruce Springsteen already spoke and performed in Charlottesville in support of President Obama’s bid for re-election. Now, singer James Taylor is doing the same at an upcoming event in New England.

With Hurricane Sandy threatening to cancel rallies in Virginia by both the president and his opponent, this weekend’s calendar has been packed with special events to offset a possible lack of visits early next week.

Vice President Joe Biden’s planned visit to Virginia Beach on Saturday has already been canceled. Halloween may be next.

Here’s the rundown of Northern Virginia appearances not just by candidates, but special guests like actors and politicians.

Saturday, Oct. 27

* Actress Julianne Moore will appear at a “Vote Now” picnic in Alexandria, supporting Obama. Better bring an umbrella just in case.

The event, which will feature musical entertainment, arts and crafts, as well as food, will begin at 12:30 p.m., and run until 2:30 p.m. Voters who are eligible to vote absentee will be able to walk to the nearby Beatley Central Library to cast their ballots.

Brenman Park is located at 4800 Brenman Park Drive.

* Ann Romney will attend Victory rallies at McLean Central Park in McLean. She will be joined by Cindy McCain.

Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the program is slated to begin at 9:30 a.m.

McLean Central Park is located at 1468 Dolley Madison Boulevard.

* George Allen, a former governor and senator who is a current candidate for the senate, will volunteers at the Sterling Victory Office in Loudoun County at 11:30 a.m., to thank them for their work.

He will then attend the Virginia NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet in Fredericksburg at 6:30 p.m.

The Sterling campaign office is located at 21430 Cedar Drive in Suite 118.

The banquet will be held at the Fredericksburg Hospitality House (a hotel) at 2801 Plank Road in the Central Park shopping area.

Sunday, Oct. 28

* Presidential candidate and former governor Mitt Romney is scheduled to attend a victory rally at Battlefield High School in Haymarket.

Doors will open at 10 a.m., and the program will begin around 12:30 p.m.

This event may be canceled due to weather issues. So, check back here before going.

Battlefield High School is located at 15000 Graduation Drive.

Bruce Springsteen perfored in Charlottesville in support of Obama. Photo by: KJ Mushung

By: KJ Mushung

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