In their last campaign stop of this election year, President Bill Clinton, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton and their daughter Chelsea made a stop in Cedar Rapids Monday night.

The Clintons traveled separately earlier Monday, but met in Lexington, Ken., to fly to Cedar Rapids. The family was greeted by an auditorium bouncing with loud music, waving signs, and dancing supporters all the way up to the uppermost seats.

The presidential family was joined by U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin and U.S. House candidate Leonard Boswell.

Top Political State

Julie Stauch, press secretary for the Clinton-Gore campaign in Iowa, said the White House family stopped in Iowa because they consider Iowa a top political state.

Because half of the Five Seasons Center was blocked for security, Stauch said estimating the crowd was too difficult.

Republican candidate for President, Bob Dole, made an 11 p.m. appearance in Des Moines last night at Air Lanes bowling alley with his wife Elizabeth.

Promoting the Democratic Ticket

Speaking to the crowd, Hillary said Iowans represent mainstream values that have built some of the best educational ideals in the country.

She then said Harkin ” … represent[s] Iowa families … to continue this educational legacy that Iowa has always had.”

Harkin used his final campaign appearance to cite differences he has with his opponent, Republican Jim Ross Lightfoot. Harkin criticized a Lightfoot campaign attempt to bring the election down to one issue — partial birth abortions. He addressed Lightfoot’s use of an 85-year old Catholic priest in commercials. Harkin said Lighfoot ” … has taken Iowa politics to a low.”

Clinton closed his presidential campaign by reminding the audience where he stands on the issues. His address focused on the issues, including education, welfare, the Family Medical Leave Act, crime, the economy and other issues. Clinton also encouraged the audience to vote on election day.

” … I want the American dream to be alive and well” for everyone who works for it, Clinton said. “I think you know which vote will build the bridge to the 21st century.”