U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst was in Ames on Oct. 30 for one of the final stops of her “99 County” tour and the entire campaign season.

Ernst was joined by Matt Whitaker, who ran unsuccessfully against Ernst in the Republican primary earlier this year, longtime Republican Senator Chuck Grassley and retiring Congressman Tom Latham, who represents Iowa’s third congressional district, just south of Ames.

Ames residents filled into the Olde Main Restaurant on Main Street to see the speakers just 5 days before Election Day.

The speakers thanked Latham for his twenty years of service in the House of Representatives. Latham spoke briefly and encouraged everyone to vote just days before the crucial midterm elections.

“This election is absolutely critical,” Latham said. “That’s why you’ve got to do everything you can. Make sure you vote, that you get your neighbors and your friends to vote. Everybody get to the polls as soon as possible. This is critical for the future of our country.”

Senator Grassley talked to the crowd about electing a Republican majority and removing the current leadership in the Senate from power.

“Electing Ernst and removing [Harry] Reid (the Democratic leader) is going to restore the United States Senate to the deliberative body it’s supposed to be,” Grassley said.

Ernst was last to speak. For over 15 minutes she rallied the crowd and had to stop multiple times because of heavy applauses from those in attendance.

Ernst spoke on a wide variety of issues and contrasted her record and vision to that of Congressman Bruce Braley, her opponent in the race. Ernst said the U.S. Senate should follow the path of Iowa and talked about accomplishments at the state level.

“We have been able to implement some wonderful policies in the state of Iowa,” Ernst said. “Those things: lower taxes. The largest tax cut in Iowa history. We’ve rolled back job killing rules and regulations. And for the past four years, we have balanced the budget.”

Ernst also spoke extensively of her military background and tied it to the ISIS terrorists. She said it makes her qualified to handle foreign policy if she is elected next week.

“We can’t continue to do this. We need leaders that serve and understand the threats that are posed by these terrorists organizations,” Ernst said. “I understand that.”

Ernst wrapped up to an enthusiastic crowd after speaking for 17 minutes.

“Folks, we are at a crossroads right now. This may be the most important election in our lifetime,” Ernst said. “We need to choose a new path and get on our way to prosperity and opportunity for every American.”

Ernst is running for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Senator Tom Harkin, a Democrat who has been serving since 1985.

Iowa’s election is one of the closest in the county and may determine who holds control of the U.S. Senate come election night. The most recent polls have shown Ernst up in almost every one conducted, but by only a few points. Real Clear Politics classifies the race as a “toss up”, meaning it could go either way.

Ames residents can vote early until November 3rd at the Story County auditors office in Nevada. The county also plans to set up a voting center at the Ames Library on Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As always, you can vote on Election Day, Nov. 4th.