DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — For Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, both considered 2016 Republican presidential prospects, it's a chance to meet hundreds of likely participants in Iowa's caucuses.

The politicians are set to speak to influential Iowa conservatives Saturday night in Des Moines. The Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition event is intended to help drive turnout among social conservatives for the November election.

The caucuses in early-voting Iowa are expected to launch the presidential voting in a year and a half. Cruz and Jindal have already visited Iowa multiple times.

The race for retiring Democratic U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin's seat between Democrat Bruce Braley and Republican Joni Ernst is competitive and seen as among the handful that could determine Senate control.

More From News Talk 96.5 KPEL