DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – First Lady Michelle Obama will appear in Des Moines Friday to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Braley. Braley spokesman Jeff Giertz said Sunday that Obama and Braley will attend a rally at Drake University Friday afternoon. The event will stress the importance of early voting in the competitive Iowa Senate race.

Braley, a four-term congressman from Waterloo, is locked a tight race against Republican Joni Ernst, a state lawmaker and officer in the Iowa National Guard from Red Oak. They are vying for the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.

Republicans are hoping to win in Iowa in their drive for the six-seat gain they need to grab the Senate majority. Obama has been stumping for Democrats in a number of tight races around the country.