American presidential hopefuls are making a last pitch to voters in the state of Iowa, ahead of the first elections in the race for party nominations.
Supporters listen to Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders during a campaign event at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Photo: AFP
Billionaire businessman Donald Trump has been leading the field for the Republicans; Hillary Clinton is narrowly the frontrunner for the Democrats.
Candidates have been appearing at events across the large rural state to try to see as many people and places as possible ahead of Monday's contests, which are expected to set the tone in the race for the presidential election on 8 November.
Listen to RNZ political editor Jane Patterson, in Des Moines,
A Des Moines Register/Bloomberg News poll of Iowa voters released on Saturday put Mr Trump in the lead among Republicans at 28 percent, with Texas senator Ted Cruz second at 23 percent and Florida senator Marco Rubio third at 15 percent.
On Sunday, at two rallies at Council Bluffs and Sioux City, Mr Trump displayed a more low-key style than his usual flame-throwing flourishes in an apparent bid to appeal to Iowa religious conservatives, who have for the most part backed Mr Cruz.
In Council Bluffs, Mr Trump brought his wife and daughter on stage and implored Republicans to pick him, noting that Iowa's 2008 winner, Mike Huckabee, and 2012 victor Rick Santorum both ultimately failed to win the Republican nomination.
"You have a lousy record - 16 years you haven't picked a winner. Please pick a winner this time," he said.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump greets supporters at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Sunday. Photo: AFP
In Iowa City, Mr Cruz urged about 500 supporters crammed into a building at the county fairgrounds to turn out for the caucuses if they wanted to help him break the cycle of politics as usual in Washington.
"Join us, commit tomorrow night to come out and caucus for us. Stand up and speak for us. If we stand together, we will win," he said.
Supporters outside Bernie Sanders' last rally in Des Moines before caucus day. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets supporters at Abraham Lincoln High School in Des Moines. Photo: AFP
Among the Democrats, Ms Clinton - a former secretary of state, senator and first lady - clung to a narrow 45 percent to 42 percent lead over Vermont senator and democratic socialist Bernie Sanders, leaving the latter in position for a potential upset win.
In Marshalltown, Mr Sanders called the race basically a toss-up. "My prediction is that if tomorrow night there is a large voter turnout, we win," he said. "On the other hand, if there is a low voter turnout, we'll probably lose."
Ms Clinton spent much of her time at a rally in Council Bluffs contrasting her vision with those of the Republican candidates. She said, while she and Mr Sanders shared the goal of achieving universal healthcare, he had a "different view" of how to accomplish it.
Mr Sanders backs a single-payer system paid for by higher taxes, while Ms Clinton would build on US President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law.
Democratic candidate Martin O'Malley out doorknocking in Des Moines. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
Ten Republicans and three Democrats have been campaigning for their parties' nominations in Iowa. The next contests after Monday's caucuses will be held in New Hampshire on 9 February.
Seven Republican presidential candidates participate in a debate sponsored by Fox News at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Photo: AFP
- BBC / Reuters