GOP candidate's campaign aids Ohio storm relief

CINCINNATI (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign is helping storm relief efforts in Ohio.

Spokesman Chris Maloney says the state campaign headquarters in Columbus is open Sunday for donations of water, flashlights, non-perishable foods and other items needed in the aftermath of severe storms Friday evening that knocked out power to much of the state amid a heat wave.

He says a Romney bus in Ohio this week for campaign office openings will be diverted Monday and Tuesday to deliver supplies to shelters, fire stations and churches in hard-hit areas.

President Barack Obama late Saturday declared a federal emergency in Ohio, after a request from Republican Gov. John Kasich.

The swing state is likely to be pivotal in November.

Obama has a campaign visit to Ohio planned later this week.