U.S. Senate candidate Joni Ernst rallies Winneshiek County Republicans to get out the vote

Members of the Luther College Republicans pose for a picture with Ernst

With three weeks remaining until the November 4th election to pick a successor to U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, both Republicans and Democrats are concentrating on getting out the votes of their supporters.

Republican candidate Joni Ernst has started a 44-day tour of all 99 counties in the state.  Monday night brought her to Decorah and a rally of over 100 Republicans at the party's new headquarters on Winnebago Street.  She arrived shortly before 7:00 p.m. to cheers of "Joni!  Joni!  Joni!"

Ernst gave a short speech that was mainly a recitation of her campaign themes--criticizing Democratic opponent Bruce Braley for voting in favor of Obamacare and in favor of raising the federal debt ceiling and touting budget cuts, lower taxes and fewer regulations as the way to improve the economy.

But those in attendance had already made up their minds to support Ernst so they didn't come for the campaign speech.  They instead shook hands with her and gave her an enthusiastic welcome to Decorah.

With 21 days remaining until November 4th, it's the kind of enthusiasm Republicans are trying to generate in order to win the U.S. Senate seat away from the Democrats.

Ernst and Winneshiek County Republican Party official Tom Hansen

Mel Dietzenbach gets a "selfie" with the candidate

Ernst visits with Decorah's Ray Ransom

The emphasis was on shaking hands