DEXTER, Mo. — The SEMO Democrat rural caucus gathered Saturday for what is their largest annual event.

The annual rally was held for the second year in a row at the Dexter Elks Lodge.

Missouri Attorney General and gubernatorial hopeful Jay Nixon, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Missouri Democrat Party Chairman John Temporiti were all, among others.

"It's been really fascinating to travel all of the corners of this state," Nixon told the crowd of more than 400 people as he proclaimed that Missouri needs change.

"Both [Republican] candidates have fully embraced the ideals of Matt Blunt that so divided this great state," he said. "They've had four years to try and fix education, health care and jobs and they haven't done it."

Nixon said that so far during the gubernatorial race he has been fortunate to watch the Republicans spend money battling each other while he enjoys a double-digit lead in the polls.

He said he knows the attacks will soon be coming for him, but says he's ready for the long fight.

"Right now is the time to move forward from the policies that have so failed our people," Nixon said.

McCaskill also spoke for a few moments on the current political climate across the country.

"We've got a challenge this year, just as we always do in Missouri," she said. "This is the heart and soul of America."

McCaskill went on to speak about her support of Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama and her admiration of Sen. Hillary Clinton for the campaign she ran.

"I told her when she came back to the Senate this week that there is not a woman in America who isn't proud of you," she said.

Carnahan, Temporiti, Missouri Auditor Susan Montee and Congressional candidate for the 8th District Joe Allen also made remarks at the rally.

Also at the rally, State Reps. Tom Todd and Steve Hodges presented resolutions from the House of Representatives and the Senate in memory of the late Luther Warren 'Lew' Maddox, a former representative.

Accepting the award on behalf of his grandfather was Jason Maddox. Maddox's wife and granddaughters were also present for the acceptance.

Later in the evening it was announced that $527 had been raised in the 50/50 drawing. The winner of the raffle donated all of the money to the candidates.