OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Barbara Grassley, wife of U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) traveled with Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks throughout the Second Congressional District, and met with supporters.

KTVO spoke with Mrs. Grassley and Dr. Miller-Meeks regarding the key platform of the Republican campaign in this election.

"Our message all year has been about smaller federal government: controlling spending, lowering taxes, allowing people to succeed. And that message resonates with people," Dr. Miller-Meeks said.

"She's very strong on the defense of our country and our liberties. That is what it is. It is about defending our liberties," Mrs. Grassley added.

Mrs. Grassley said that Miller-Meeks has a "powerful message, and will represent her constituents well in Congress."

"She has been out knocking on doors, and that's what it is. People, when they meet her and listen to her, say, 'Yeah, I believe that too.' And so if you ever have a chance to see here and meet her and interact with her, you will see that she believes as you do...the traditional values," Mrs. Grassley said.

"Big issues for people are: lack of job creation. Right now there's a lot of concern about flooding, which brings back memories of the flood two years ago. And people still feel that there's been a really delayed response of the federal government," Dr. Miller-Meeks added.

On Friday, Grassley and Miller-Meeks met with supporters at the "GOP Victory Center" on East Main Street for coffee and breakfast.

"We feel a lot of momentum going forward. A lot of excitement for the Republican ticket. We are just excited, very enthused with our Governor, now our Lt. Governor pick. So we have Governor Branstad, we have State Senator Kim Reynolds as Lt. Governor...then Senator Grassley on the ticket," Dr. Miller-Meeks said.

"Chuck, of course, is visiting all the 99 counties, every year since 1980 when he was first elected...in preparation for a very tough campaign against our Democrat opponent. So we are looking forward to the campaign," Mrs. Grassley added.

The Iowa Republican State Convention began on Friday night in Des Moines with Congressman Ron Paul of Texas.