Iowa supporters of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney got to see him back in Iowa for the first time Tuesday since his first debate with President Barrack Obama. Romney has seen his poll numbers go up since the debate.

Jim Lohr of Ames attended the campaign event in Van Meter and agrees the debate was a big boost. “He did an excellent job in the debate, he was well prepared, he was honest, and showed the country what he could do,” Lohr says.

Frank Suidel, also of Ames agreed. “The debate was absolutely stunning and I think it was a major turning point,” Suidel says. “People who hadn’t made up their mind…like many of the undecideds they’re only getting engaged in the last month or so, and they hadn’t really gotten to know Romney very well. This debate gave them a chance to see what kind of a person he really is. It was a stunning victory.”

Suidel says Romney can maintain his momentum if he keeps focusing on the economy. “Despite rhetoric from the oval office the last four years that our president has thought jobs (are) important, we really don’t see action. Romney has emphasized that consistently throughout the campaign,” he said.

Donna Wilterdink lives very near the farm where Romney talked about his agriculture policies Tuesday. She is pleased to see him gaining momentum after the debate. “I think for some people it probably maybe helped them see his views a little bit more clearly. I think he definitely won the debate. I was a supporter of him in the last election, so I am really happy with what he is doing, what he is speaking about and what he is standing for,” Wilterdink says. Both campaigns have spent a lot of time in Iowa, which is a so-called swing state.

Wilterdink says Romney can continue his momentum and win the state if he keeps up his message. “I think as long as he stays true to himself and continues to speak on what his views are on supporting the people, I think he will be fine,” she says. Wilterdink has an organic produce farm, and is happy to see Romney talk about his farmer policies.

“I would love to see him continue to support not just farming, but organic as well. I think it is really important that people know where their food comes from,” Wilterdink says, “buying local and buying fresh foods and whole foods to keep people healthy.”

Some 1,200 people showed up on the cold windy day to hear Romney.