A pair of Iowa Democrats facing tough races in this fall’s elections will be among the guests Saturday at the Democratic Party Fall Barbecue in Ames.

U.S. Rep. Leonard Boswell, running for re-election against state Sen. Larry McKibben, R-Marshalltown, and state Sen. Tom Vilsack, battling Jim Ross Lightfoot for the gubernatorial nod, will appear at the event, scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at Brookside Park.

Vilsack said he plans to discuss education and health care in his speech to the party.

“I’m going to be talking about … the fundamental differences between myself and Mr. Lightfoot on those issues,” he said. “Also, I’ll be talking about his tax plan, and how he has yet to provide us with detail on how he’s going to fill the 1.5 billion-dollar hole his plan will create for education.”

As election day draws near, Vilsack said, every voter becomes more important.

“The last two months, you make your case to the public, and when you do, they’ll make the right choice,” he said.

Other big names dropping by will be U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, former state Supreme Court Justice Mark McCormick and state Sen. Johnie Hammond of Ames.

The impressive list of politicians is not unusual in a year with so many key races, said Jan Bauer, chairwoman of the Story County Democratic Party.

“We always try to get our office-holders in non-election years, but this is typical for an election year,” she said. “Senator Harkin always comes back to Story County because this is sort of his home away from home.”

The barbecue will include a “toast and roast” honoring Mary Richards, who is retiring after 20 years as Story County attorney.

“Congressman Boswell and Senator Vilsack will make remarks about the campaign,” Bauer said. “Senator Harkin is primarily there to help the party recognize Mary Richards.”

The Politically Correct Jazz Ensemble, a six-member Ames combo, also will be performing.

The picnic will be preceded by a reception at the home of Peggy Talbert, 714 Brookridge Ave.

Cost of admission to the barbecue is $15 in advance and $17 on Saturday night, and reception tickets, which include the barbecue, are $39.

Bauer said she expects a crowd of 200 at Brookside Park, 1325 6th St., and about 75 at the reception.

Tickets for both events can be ordered by calling 268-0313 or 292-3739.