DES MOINES -- Ron Paul brought in reinforcements for the final full day of campaigning before the Iowa caucuses: His son, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul.

"We're going to win in Iowa tomorrow!" the younger Paul declared at a rally at a downtown hotel here, the first of five "whistle-stop" events that would take the pair from Cedar Rapids to Cedar Falls. Rand Paul, a Tea Party favorite, said he had agreed to campaign for his father if he didn't have to wear a tie. (He wore a gray V-neck sweater instead.)

Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who was wearing a suit and tie, was greeted by fervent chants of his name.

"I have been in the business of promoting the cause of liberty for many years," he told the crowd, "but today the enthusiasm has tremendously increased. It's a big difference even from four years ago." He outlined his signature positions against the Federal Reserve and U.S. military action abroad, decrying the growth in the cost and power of government.

"Today we're moving in the wrong direction, but the American people are stirring," he said. He urged them: "Tomorrow is a very important day" when a small number of Iowans could deliver "a big message." He warned that all his Republican rivals represent "variations on the status quo."

Before the event, Paul told CNN that he has "no plans" to run as a third-party candidate if he doesn't win the GOP nomination. "Flat out, I don't want to," he said, but added that he tries to not speak in "absolutes."

Inside the ballroom, the crowd overflowed and included dozens of journalists from as far away as the Netherlands and Japan. Iowa's brand of political tourists were also in attendance: People interested in politics from Ohio, Kentucky and elsewhere who come to Iowa for the chance to see all the candidates up close. There were also high school and college school groups from Minnesota, Illinois and elsewhere in the room.

And Iowans?

They seemed to be in the minority. Stephanie Fawkes-Lee, 49, who works for a public policy firm in Des Moines, supported Ron Paul in the caucuses four years ago and said she will be there again for him Tuesday night.

"My big issue is ending the war on drugs," she said. "It's costing Washington millions of dollars and destroying millions of lives."

Paul's support is broader than it was in 2008, she says, dismissing the suggestion that he would have trouble claiming the nomination and carrying the general election. Will he win in Iowa? "I'm hoping."

Distributed by the campaign: Copies of the 28-page Ron Paul Family Cookbook, a paperback with recipes for Cherry-Pineapple Dump Cake and bread-and-butter pickles.

(Contributing: Catalina Camia)