Hurricane Sandy threatens to turn hundreds of thousands of campaign yard signs into political projectiles, and some candidates are urging supporters to bring them inside.

"Don't forget that yard signs are made of metal frames that can blow around in strong winds, causing dangerous conditions and damage to homes and property," Virginia Republican Senate candidate George Allen said in an e-mail to supporters. "So for safety, bring them inside."

His opponent, Democrat Tim Kaine, told his supporters that "the last thing we want is for yard signs to become projectiles." He asked supporters to bring them in out of the storm, "not only for your safety, but also for the safety of your neighbors."

Sandy is swarming over key electoral states on the East Coast, where yard signs rival tree populations in some neighborhoods. The storm's sustained winds have prompted public safety officials along the coast to urge citizens to bring inside deck chairs and any other objects that might fly in the wind.

The presidential and Senate races in Virginia are very close, according to polls, and the huge number of yard signs reflects that. Even states that don''t have close federal races have impassioned local contests or ballot initiatives that have prompted a heavy population of political signs across their landscapes.

Besides urging sign control, campaigns also are suspending activity except for political advertising on TV. President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney have curtailed campaigning until midweek. In Virginia, Allen called off campaigning on Monday and Kaine did so at least through Tuesday.

Allen urged his supporters to take care of pets and to consider donating to or volunteering for the Red Cross. He and Kaine sent supporters e-mails containing basic storm-preparedness instructions.

USA Today