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LAKELAND, Fla. - In a last-minute change of plans, Mitt Romney will head to visit storm-affected areas in New Orleans today, skipping a previously scheduled joint rally with running mate Paul Ryan in the battleground state of Virginia this afternoon.

A Romney aide told ABC News that Romney will "join Gov. Jindal and will meet with first responders, thank them for their work and see areas impacted by the storm in LaFitte, La."

Jindal cancelled his plans earlier this week to attend the Republican National Convention after Hurricane Isaac moved up the Gulf Coast and wreaked damage across Louisiana. Two deaths have been reported in Louisiana as a result of the storm and widespread damage and flooding. The storm hit on the seven-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

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The Romney campaign had been working to determine how they could visit the region throughout the week. The trip to New Orleans will be the maiden voyage of Romney's new campaign plane.

The White House announced later this morning that President Obama plans to tour the affected area on Monday.