It’s a sign of the times at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf on Tuesday morning. Volunteers are ready for the last minute push leading to Election Day.
“There’s a new found energy, I think, in the Republican Party,” said Judy Davidson, Scott County Republicans. “A momentum that I haven’t seen before.”
Volunteers are setting the table for this year’s Ronald Reagan Dinner. They’ll host a sold-out crowd that doubles 2013 attendance. More than 600 guests are paying $50 per plate to see possible presidential hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio.
“We’re making history with this tonight,” Davidson continued. “That in itself shows that there’s a lot of momentum and a lot of excitement.”
Iowa Republicans and Democrats want a surge of energy over the next week.
“This election is about more than Iowa,” said Vice President Joe Biden during a stop in Davenport on Monday.
House Speaker John Boehner did the same for Scott County Republicans on Monday evening.
And there’s more to come.
Another presidential hopeful, Hillary Clinton, will campaign in Davenport on Wednesday for Bruce Braley.
Supporters were stopping by party headquarters on Tuesday to pick up tickets.
“I’m hoping it will help a few last minute voters make up their mind and get enthused enough to go in and vote,” said Linda Hansen, who plans on attending the rally.
Both sides are counting on star power to energize voters over the next week.
Sen. John McCain, Gov. Chris Christie and former President Bill Clinton will all be in Iowa over the next few days.
That should provide enough energy to last through Election Day.