Clinton: Iowa's Braley is 'grow together' candidate

DES MOINES, Iowa — Bill Clinton returned to Iowa on Saturday to urge Iowans to support Bruce Braley in his high-profile race for the U.S. Senate.

Clinton, the former president and one of the most popular political figures in the country, lauded Braley, a fellow Democrat and a four-term congressman, as the "grow together" candidate in the race who could ensure the federal government can overcome dysfunction and lead the country in a positive direction.

That's a contrast, Clinton said, to Republican candidate Joni Ernst, whom he said has taken positions on the minimum wage, entitlement programs and agriculture policy that show she will divide rather than unite the country.

"If you think we ought to grow together and work together, you don't really have a choice," Clinton said. "Bruce Braley is the only choice and he's a good choice."

Ernst and Braley are running an expensive and highly contentious race that could decide partisan control of the Senate.

Clinton and Braley appeared before a crowd of perhaps 600 in downtown Des Moines on a stage backgrounded by the city skyline.

They were joined by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, singer-songwriter James Taylor (who happened to be in town for a show Saturday night) and Iowa-native opera singer Simon Estes.

Braley tailored his remarks around lyrics from Taylor's songs, and particularly the hit "You've Got a Friend."

"On issue after issue, Joni Ernst is not on your side," Braley said. "I'm Bruce Braley. I am your friend, I will be on your side."

The downtown venue was located just a half mile from the election office where Polk County voters could cast early ballots throughout the day on Saturday — a fact Braley highlighted specifically from the stage.

"We need you to go vote today," Braley said. "The auditor's office is just down the street. … If you haven't voted by now, we ask you to do it today."

Clinton stumped for Braley and other Iowa candidates just last month during Sen. Tom Harkin's final steak fry fundraiser.

Clinton's wife — the former secretary of state and potential 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton — has campaigned for Braley as well, appearing Wednesday at events in Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

Their appearances, along with visits from first lady Michelle Obama and a long list of U.S. senators from across the country, underscore the Democratic Party's efforts to inspire their base and drive turnout in a midterm election.