Presidential candidates Bill Bradley and Al Gore are competing for the Democratic Party nomination, but on Saturday their two campaigns came together to support a candidate for the Iowa House.

Bradley, Tipper Gore and Senator Tom Harkin were among about 300 supporters who came to Moore Memorial Park to show support for Jane Greimann, the Democratic candidate for the District 61 seat vacated by Cecelia Burnett this summer.

District 61 includes the section of Ames north of Lincoln Way.

“The Democratic Party is one big family,” said Tipper Gore, who came to represent her husband.

Although Bradley didn’t comment much about the upcoming presidential election, he stressed the importance of the state elections this November.

“It’s such an important race for Democrats in Iowa — only five seats and we take control of that state house,” he said.

This is Greimann’s first political campaign after serving as an educator for 18 years.

“She’ll step into the Iowa State house and automatically be a voice that’s listened to because of her experience,” Bradley said.

One of Greimann’s focus points for her candidacy is campaign finance reform in Iowa, an issue that Bradley believes is a hot topic.

“The states across this country are making major breakthroughs in campaign finance reform,” he said .”With Jane Greimann in the Iowa state house, I’m convinced that there will now be a leader of campaign finance reform here in Iowa.”

The upcoming presidential election wasn’t ignored completely. Harkin referred to his endorsement of Gore for president, an announcement he officially made last Monday.

“I believe [Al Gore] has the capabilities,” Harkin said. “He has a keen mind and a keen intellect.”

Tipper Gore also stumped for her husband for the Democratic nomination.

“I happen to believe that Al Gore is going to be the best qualified, the best leader and, with your help and your vote, the nominee and the best president to lead us into the 21st century,” she said. “We want to earn your vote and earn your respect.”