As part of a fund raiser for the Democratic Party, Gov. Tom Vilsack is scheduled to visit Ames today, attending several events and visiting homes of local Ames residents.

Jan Bauer, chairwoman of the Story County Democratic Party, noted that Vilsack’s appearance marks the first time he has visited Ames as governor. She said she has received a lot of positive feedback about his anticipated visit.

“We invited him to be a part of the fund raiser since he’s responsible for our victory last fall,” she said. “We’re happy to celebrate his victory.”

Bauer also said she hopes people attend Vilsack’s appearances.

“It’s certainly open to the public and anybody who is interested in coming and seeing the governor is certainly welcome,” she said.

She said she hopes the Iowa State community will come out and support Vilsack.

“We definitely hope a lot of students will be there since they were a large part of his victory,” she said.

Bauer said she isn’t sure what issues Vilsack will be addressing while he is in town, but he probably will be participating in question-and-answer sessions.

Vilsack will be going to a dessert party at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 1015 Hyland Ave., which will feature music by the Ken Joll’s Jazz Combo of Ames. The event is free and open to the public.

The governor also will be the special guest at a reception hosted by Mark Kassis and Terry Lowman of Ames. The event will be held at their home, 901 Vermont Circle. Central Iowa band The Blue Stem Quartet will provide the entertainment.

Kassis said he is “very excited” about Vilsack’s visit.

“I think he’s a super man, and I’m very much in agreement with the road he’s taking us,” he said, adding that he expects more than 100 people to attend the reception.