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Obama, Romney Descend on Dubuque

Both President Obama and Mitt Romney descended on Dubuque Saturday in the final days of their campaigns. Both candidates were promoting their own brand of change.

GOP Presidential candidate Mitt Romney flew into the Dubuque airport and greeted a crowd of more than 2,000 people in a hangar behind a sign that read “REAL CHANGE ON DAY ONE”.

Appearing with Romney was his wife Ann and NASCAR legend Richard Petty… who offered a race car driver’s perspective on the economy.

"We go all over the country and we’ve been hurting as far as fans coming out," Petty said. "They don’t have that little extra money to be able to do the things they want to do and I know ya’ll are feeling the same thing."

Romney referenced the TV show “Friday Night Lights”… it features a fictional football team who he says faced long odds… every time they’d leave the locker room for the field they’d touch a sign that read: Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose…

"On Tuesday, Ann and I are planning and Paul Ryan and Jana, we’re counting on your clear eyes and your full hearts because with the vote of the people of Iowa we can’t lose, thank you so much!" Romney said.

Rob and Alisa Williams attended the rally and say they’re excited to vote for Romney. They feel his views on topics like abortion have evolved to align more with their Christian beliefs.

"Where he stands right now, we’ve prayed that we just ask that God show us who to vote for and we just feel that in our hearts Mitt Romney is the person," Alisa Williams said. 

Then, that evening… in Washington park in Dubuque… it was President Obama’s supporters turn to cheer on their candidate.

John Mellencamp was on hand and offered a revised version of his hit “Pink Houses.” The president told the crowd about 5,000 he’s not slowing down.

"I may be full of gray hair now," Mr. Obama said. "But I’m just as determined as I was four years ago. I’m not tired and I’m not weary and Iowa I hope you are not either.

Voter Rebecca Nolan attended the rally and said she’s still determined.

"We’re not always going to understand where he’s coming from or what he’s working with exactly," Nolan said. "But you know his integrity will always come through."

Both candidates will make one more stop in Iowa before Election Day. The president will be in Des Moines on Monday. Governor Romney also visits Des Moines later Sunday morning.

Clay Masters is the senior politics reporter for MPR News.