Area Democrats began drumming up support in preparation for the midterm election at a rally Thursday that took place in the Maintenance Shop of the Memorial Union.

Democratic candidates for local and state offices spoke at the rally, followed by an address from Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis.

Feingold’s remarks centered on the Nov. 7 midterm election, and he voiced his support for Democratic candidates in the state, including gubernatorial candidate Chet Culver.

“You have the opportunity in this state to elect another excellent Democratic governor to follow the one you have now,” he said.

Feingold attacked the Bush administration’s handling of the war in Iraq and called for a redeployment of troops by the end of the year.

“The administration is confused about where the war is,” Feingold said. “We do need a timetable for withdrawal, and every Democrat should be saying it’s time to bring our troops home.”

He said he would support a $2.10 increase in minimum wage to $7.25 and encouraged other Democrats to make renewable energy a priority.

“We should emphasize heavy-duty progress on alternative energy to get away from foreign oil,” he said.

He mentioned increased investment in ethanol and bio-diesel as keys to ending America’s energy woes.

Other state and local Democratic candidates also spoke.

Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, said his campaign will emphasize increased funding of higher education.

“Education is and always will be my number one issue,” he said.

Rep. Lisa Heddens, D-Ames, emphasized the importance of combating tuition increases, and Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, who is running unopposed for her seat, discussed the possibility of a Democratic majority in the Iowa House, where Republicans possessed a two-seat advantage during the most recent legislative session.

The Iowa Senate was split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.