Candidates Compete at Iowa Dinner

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., talks with potential supporters before speaking at the Iowa Democratic Party's annual Hall of Fame Dinner, Saturday, June 2, 2007, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) (Charlie Neibergall - AP)

A notable face missing from the lineup was Illinois Sen. Barack Obama. A spokesman blamed a scheduling conflict, and said in a statement that Obama "has never wavered on the importance of Iowa and he never will."

Democrats attending the posh dinner paid up to $500 a head to share a meal with the candidates and hand out awards to their top state leaders. It's one of the biggest fundraising events for the Iowa Democrats, and a chance to court the most influential party members.

While the focus was on outlining their policies, the dinner also gave candidates the opportunity to show off just how much organization they've mustered on the ground in Iowa, the state that kicks off the presidential nominating season with its caucuses.

Clinton said this was her eighth trip to the state and joked that she has spent "so much time in Iowa I'll be able to caucus for myself before it's over."

As part of the effort to sway backers, volunteers woke in the early hours to plaster campaign signs around town and as far as the city outskirts. Sharon Mow was among those waiting on a street corner, holding signs and cheering for Edwards, who was ushered into the hotel by a marching band.

"This is my first time doing anything for any political candidate," said 57-year-old Mow, of Cedar Rapids.

The candidates will meet Sunday in New Hampshire for a nationally televised debate.

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On the Net:

Iowa Democratic Party: http://www.iowademocrats.org/