"BRIGANTINE, N.J. — President Barack Obama inspected the devastation from Sandy on Wednesday, flying high over flooded neighborhoods, sand-strewn streets and a burning fire that charred homes along the New Jersey coastline."

"With Election Day less than a week away, Obama’s visit to view the aftermath of the rare autumn storm was layered with political implications. The president’s tour guide was New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican and top supporter of GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney who joined Obama on a Marine One helicopter ride over the region.Obama told New Jersey residents devastated by the massive storm that 'we’re going to be here for the long haul.'

At a community center where people have taken shelter, Obama said one of his top priorities is getting power back on.

Christie said it was 'really important' to have the president of the United States in New Jersey.

To the chagrin of some Republicans, Christie has lavished praise on Obama for his efforts in helping states deal with the storm."

Julie Pace reports for the Associated Press October 31, 2012. [2]