FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

DULUTH - When UMD College Democrats were notified Monday that former president Bill Clinton would be heading to campus on Tuesday, they said the timing was perfect.

"There are eight days left before the election and we are really trying to get students energized again how they were in '08," UMD College Democrats President Ben Dufault said.

During his visit, Clinton is expected to rally in support of President Obama and local democrats.

Many anticipate the event will draw more students and democrats to the polls next week.

"He's got that character that everybody just really gravitates for so I'm just really excited to see him," Dufault said.

"Strategically, I think it's a pretty good move on their behalf," political analyst Neill Atkins said.

Atkins said the visit comes after Minnesota gained importance in the election.

He noted that republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney has started to run commercials in the state, even though voters have leaned toward democratic presidents for nearly four decades.

"Polling out there is suggesting the Minnesota could be in play," Atkins said. "This, I'm sure on part of the democrats is to assure them that they win Minnesota and maybe Wisconsin."

Despite what may be the political strategy of the visit, UMD's college democrats said the buzz it has created will be worth it in the end.

"It's definitely bringing it more to the forefront of everybody's minds now and everybody is realizing that it's next Tuesday," Dufault said. "We're excited about that."

Doors will open for the event at 12 p.m. Tuesday at the Kirby Student Center.