This is day three in Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson’s campaign swing the state.
Thompson, an actor as well as a former Tennessee senator, is attracting crowds not only interested in his political views, but in getting his autograph. Alisa Payton of Des Moines got George Bush’s signature in 2000, and now she has Thompson’s.
"It looks a lot like my husband’s. You can’t read it," she says. "He’d make a good doctor, or a lawyer."
But others, like Maggie Nelsen of West Des Moines, are taking a pen in their own hands and taking notes during his speech.
"Got some ideas about where he stands on certain issues — vague, not pinpointed ideas," she says.
Nelsen didn’t hear enough from Thompson to judge whether she’ll support him.
"My firm commitment is the best candidate (and) my gut reaction is somebody Republican," she says. "But I’m interested in somebody (who’s) electable."
Phil Carroll has been sold on Thompson for months.
"I’ve wanted him to run for president ever since day one," Carroll says. "Before he even considered it, I thought he was the candidate that the Republican Party needs."
Carroll calls Thompson a "down-to-earth" man who "knows what he’s doing."
Thompson started his visit to Iowa with a speech in Des Moines on Thursday afternoon. He’s made stops in Council Bluffs, Sioux City and Mason City as well. Thompson will be in Cedar Rapids and Davenport today.