U.S. lawmakers tout importance of voting

Boswell, incumbent candidate for Iowa's 3rd District seat, and Harkin, D-Iowa, were in town Tuesday to promote voting and, of course, campaigning for Boswell and other Democrats as Election Day draws near.

"It's a close race," Boswell said about his run against another incumbent Rep. Tom Latham. "But, we can do this. We've got to get the vote out."

With redistricting both incumbent congressmen found themselves running in Iowa's 3rd District.

Boswell said those who have already voted can't quit yet, they need to encourage family and friends to vote.

"We're in this race," he said. "I want you to turn every stone you can possibly turn."

Harkin agreed.

Speaking to a crowd of more than 30 at the Creston Democrat's office on Montgomery Street, Harkin acknowledged other candidates in the room including John Rose, running for the Iowa House, and Bob Brown, incumbent Union County supervisor, running for another four-year term.

"At noon today there was 177 hours left," Harkin said. "Now we're into mobilization and getting these folks in. I don't need to tell you this is a key state for Barack Obama. These six electoral votes could decide the outcome of this election. And so, we have to do everything we can this week."

He is encouraging everyone to vote early. Union County Auditor's office will be open X to X Saturday

"I want to thank you for all your past support of me and all your past support of Leonard Boswell," Harkin said. "Here he is in a key position on the transportation committee. He is very important to Iowa. We have a new highway bill coming up in the next Congress and we need to make sure we get our fair share. A lot of times I say we need more than our fair share because we have one of the highest (number) of bridges per capita than anywhere in the nation.That's what Leonard has fought for ever since he's been in the house — to make sure we get our fair share .. for bridges and stuff."