DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Michelle Obama is headed to Des Moines to campaign for Democratic Senate candidate Bruce Braley. The first lady will attend a rally this (Friday) afternoon at Drake University. The event will stress the importance of early voting in the competitive Iowa Senate race.

Braley, a four-term congressman from Waterloo, is locked in 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 Sen. 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. She is scheduled to appear in Michigan earlier in the day today (Friday).