Presidential Candidates Make Final Push Before Iowa Caucuses
DES MOINES, Iowa (WCCO) -- In Iowa Sunday night, it's the final frenzy of presidential candidates criss-crossing the state to seal the deal. They're begging backers to caucus on Monday night.
"If we can come out of Iowa, with a nice victory, it's so important," Donald Trump said.
"Monday could be an historic night for this country," Bernie Sanders said.
Democrats Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are separated by just three points in the latest poll. On the Republican side, Donald Trump has a slight lead over Ted Cruz. Analysts say turnout will make all the difference.
After many months of up close and personal attention, the end is near.
"It's very overwhelming," a local resident said.
In the small Iowa town where Buddy Holly played his last gig, the folks in Clear Lake are tough.
"This seems like this election is a lot more bizarre than anything in the past," one local said.
Dozens of small towns along Iowa county roads hosted one of the largest presidential candidate fields ever. Some are worried about the direction of the country.
"I think everybody is. I mean if you're not worried, it's because you've got your head in the sand," a local said.
In Marshalltown, Ben Carson supporters are hoping for a miracle comeback.
"I don't think the polls always show the truth," one voter said.
Shoulder-to-shoulder with Minnesotans like Congressman Keith Ellison, who is campaigning for Democrat Bernie Sanders.
"Bernie Sanders is really on fire in Iowa, wherever we go. Waterloo, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, it's all about Bernie," Ellison said.
In Marshall County, we discovered a rare breed: An independent, undecided voter. Mike Buehler is a political junkie, criss-crossing the state, hoping to personally see every candidate.
"Going back to Friday afternoon, Jeb Bush, Martin O'Malley, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie and now Bernie Sanders," Buehler said.