Thompson stumps on a farm

Over the last two days, Tommy has been focusing on wrapping up some of the smaller counties in his 99-county goal. That's put him in some fairly rural areas, but tonight's stop at the home of Bobby Kauffman has Thompson giving his pitch at a farm.

Kauffman's home is not quite a home yet. The 1876 red brick farmhouse belonged to his great-grandfather, then his grandfather, and it hasn't been occupied since the 1970s. Kauffman is planning a complete restoration. After Kauffman introduced Thompson, Tommy praised him for his industriousness.

In addition to restoring the house, Kauffman is a college student and former chair of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans. He also hauls steel and is raising 30 cows and 20 sows, as well as working on Tommy's campaign.

"When I'm not doing that," Kauffman said, "I'm pretty much just lounging around."

Thompson's event here is one of the larger ones he's had this weekend, drawing about 85 people. While the crowd is mostly older people, a number who appear to be in their 20s are also in attendance. The crowd appeared to listen intently, applauding at several points during the speech.

Thompson's daughters Kelli and Tommi, who've been riding along with the campaign the past two days, will be heading back with their families to Madison tonight.

-- By David Wise