DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Retiring Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin’s final steak fry fundraiser may provide some much-needed sizzle for Democrat Bruce Braley, who is locked in a close race to replace the liberal lawmaker. Thousands of Democrats will gather Sunday at the hot-air balloon grounds outside Indianola, south of Des Moines, for Harkin’s 37th and final steak fry. The event will serve as an emotional commemoration of his service, capped with tributes from Bill and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

While the former secretary of state’s potential presidential aspirations are likely to capture headlines, the event is also expected to rally activists for Braley. The four-term congressman is running against Republican state Sen. Joni Ernst in one of the year’s most competitive Senate races. Republicans need a six-seat gain to take control of the Senate.