Romney wants more responsibility for emergency management in states

Asked Monday whether Romney held the same position he did at the June 2011 debate, Romney campaign spokeswoman Amanda Henneberg explained the candidate believes “states should be in charge of emergency management in responding to storms and other natural disasters in their jurisdictions.”

“As the first responders, states are in the best position to aid affected individuals and communities, and to direct resources and assistance to where they are needed most,” Henneberg said. “This includes help from the federal government and FEMA.”

On Sunday, President Barack Obama visited the headquarters of FEMA in Washington, and said the federal government has resources ready to deal with the storm.

“You need to take this seriously and take guidance from state and local officials,” Obama said, adding he was “confident that the resources are in place.”

“My main message is we have to take this seriously,” he said. “The federal government is working effectively with the state and local governments.”