Michelle Obama stumps in Iowa for struggling Democrat Bruce Braley

First lady Michelle Obama is headed back to Iowa next week to stump again for Democratic Senate candidate Bill Braley, the candidate said Friday.

Mrs. Obama will join Mr. Braley in Iowa City on Tuesday for an “Iowa Votes” rally, where the campaign says she will urge voters to get to the polls for early voting or cast mail-in ballot to support Mr. Braley in “this year’s crucial midterm election.”

Mrs. Obama’s return trip — she campaign for Mr. Braley in Iowa last week — underscores the party’s fierce scramble to save a Democratic-held seat that appears ready to help the GOP and help Republicans seize majority control of the Senate this year.

Republican Joni Ernst held a 4-point lead over Mr. Braley, 47 percent to 43 percent, in a USA Today/Suffolk University poll this week.

“I’m thrilled to be joined by the first lady here in Iowa City and to have the opportunity to speak to Iowans about the importance of voting early by mail or in person” Mr. Braley said. “Iowans face a clear choice in this election, and I’m running to be a senator who breaks through the gridlock and puts all Iowa families first, not just the wealthiest few. Voting early is the easiest way to cast a ballot and make sure every Iowan has a say in our future.”