Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., capped off her visit to Iowa Sunday by signing books at Borders Books and Music in Des Moines.

Clinton, who has raised questions throughout the nation about her own intentions of running for president by announcing the Jefferson Jackson Dinner, was met with a line that stretched for more than a block.

Tickets were handed out Friday for the event. Aaron Nielsen, general manager of the store, said it gave out 900 tickets.

Secret Service agents in natty black suits and shiny leather shoes crowded the normally calm aisles, sizing up the crowd. Police dogs were led through the building to sniff out the area. Squad cars sat outside in the parking lot.

People erected makeshift camps, bringing out folding chairs and sprawling out on the floor to brace themselves for the long wait.

Jennie Salvato, Des Moines, was in it for the long haul.

She showed up at 6:30 a.m. and was soon joined by Judy Mischo, Des Moines, and Brandon Mazer, Waukee.

“We’re committed to Hillary,” Salvato said.

Clinton showed up slightly after 12:30 p.m. and entered the building to chants of, “Run Hillary run!”

Clinton, who has denied she has taken any action to run for the presidency, dodged questions about it during the signing.

“Today we’re here to talk about the book,” Clinton said.

Clinton’s reluctance to discuss a possible campaign for president didn’t squelch the subject.

“She would win today if she were running,” Salvato said.

A block away, at the end of the line, Jane Lee, Urbandale, eyed the crowd in front of her.

“Not a good day to wear heels,” she said.

Lee said Clinton was one of her biggest role models.

“I think if anyone will be the first female president, it will be Hillary,” Lee said.

Clinton, flanked by the Secret Service and her own personal aides, signed books, assembly line style.

After waiting six hours to meet the New York senator, Mazer, who will vote for the first time in 2004, came out of the line looking dazed.

“It was quick,” he said. Mazer said even though it was a long wait, it was well worth it.

Mischo got a little more time.

“She loved my shirt,” she said, laughing.

Mischo said Clinton impressed her.

“I was impressed with her sense of humor as well as her sincerity; not many [people] have it, or they lose it along the line. She still has it,” Mischo said.

Still waiting in line, Lee looked forward to meeting Clinton.

“I don’t know what I’m going to say to her,” Lee said. “I’ve been thinking about it all day.”