Tim Walz visits Petoskey ahead of the vice presidential debate

PETOSKEY — Taking a short break from preparing for the upcoming debate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz took a walk through downtown Petoskey on Monday and visited several local stores with his wife and daughter.

The Democratic vice presidential candidate stopped at Bearcub Outfitters, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Cheekade Meekade, NorthGoods and Ruff Life Outfitters. As they went from store to store, Walz greeted many residents and took photos with supporters.

Tim Walz poses for a photo at McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz welcomes a dog at Ruff Life Outfitters in downtown Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Walz also spoke briefly to the press about Hurricane Helene, which USA Today reports already ranks among the deadliest hurricanes in U.S. history. By Monday evening, the death toll had risen above 125.

Walz said he has been in contact with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, as well as President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, about the disaster because he is co-chair of the Board of Governors.

Tim Walz walks down Lake Street in downtown Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024. During his visit, the Democratic vice presidential candidate visited several stores in the city.

Vice presidential candidate Tim Walz speaks with the Norcross family at McLean & Eakin Booksellers in Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024.

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“Our hearts are just breaking right now,” Walz said. “This situation remains extremely dangerous and evolving.”

He said governors across the country are communicating and working on emergency management plans. While local and state officials will take the lead, Walz said certain pieces are already falling into place and “the federal response is already there.”

More: The weekend buzz in Harbor Springs increases with a visit to Walz

Tim Walz speaks to the press outside the McLean & Eakin Booksellers bookstore in downtown Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Walz stopped in Petoskey just one day before heading to New York for the vice presidential debate, where he and J.D. Vance will face off in a 90-minute debate.

“I’m looking forward to tomorrow, but my thoughts are definitely in the Southeast,” Walz said.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz poses for a photo with supporters in downtown Petoskey on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The Petoskey stop is Walz’s last stop on a Michigan tour, during which he spent several days in Harbor Springs and attended the Michigan-Minnesota game in Ann Arbor.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Tim Walz visits Petoskey ahead of vice presidential debate