It pays to be running for re-election in the first-in-the-nation presidential caucus state.

Rep. Bruce Braley (D), who is seeking a second term in the Democratic-leaning 1st district, is bringing in the big guns to headline his third annual “Bruce, Blues & Barbeque” fundraising event.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), the presidential frontrunner, and another leading contender, former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), are set to show on separate days at what is a three-city, multi-day event.

Clinton is scheduled to headline the festivities on Nov. 4 in Davenport, while Edwards is scheduled as the marquee attraction on Nov. 11 in Dubuque.

A Braley aide declined to predict how much money the three-day event would raise but noted that last year’s one-day fundraiser featuring home state Sen. Tom Harkin (D) attracted 200 people. The Braley campaign expects “several hundred” attendees to show up for this year’s festivities.

The three-day event is designed to capitalize on the Iowa presidential nominating caucuses and help Braley expand his base of small donors. The price of admission is $30 for individuals, $50 for couples, $75 for families and $15 for students.

— David M. Drucker