Hillary Clinton calls for Democratic debate in Flint, Mich.

A win for Sanders would be a major upset that could carry his insurgent candidacy deep into the spring, while a win for Clinton would blunt Sanders’ rise and help put her on a glide path to the Democratic nomination.

After weeks of cajoling from progressive activists, state lawmakers and the candidates themselves, the Democratic National Committee has agreed to allow for more sanctioned debates among the three presidential contenders. The tentative New Hampshire event is to be held Thursday, giving voters a chance to see the field debate before the state’s primary February 9.

Rubio is flying from Dubuque to Sioux City and other cities on Saturday as part of a busy weekend of campaigning heading into Monday’s Iowa caucuses – the first contest in the 2016 race for president.

Clinton’s campaign had indicated earlier this week they were open to more debates, but the Sanders campaign released a statement Wednesday blasting Clinton for trying to change the rules as he gains momentum.

“She’s never touched a thing she didn’t make better”, Bill Clinton said.

The Vermont senator and democratic socialist said “the eyes of America, in fact much of the world” would be on Iowa, and the state could be a model for the nation and the future of American democracy.

The campaigns are working on an agreement for four additional debates beyond those.

Sanders – who the latest Des Moines Register poll says Hillary Clinton is leading by just 3 points – also dismissed his rival’s claim that he’s stooped to running a negative campaign. None of the young voters interviewed at the rally said they supported Clinton.

Clinton’s campaign began in the state 15 months ago after she drove across the country in what she affectionately dubbed the “Scooby Van” for a series of tiny roundtable events. Bernie Sanders and former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley – had all chose to participate in an additional NBC/Union Leader debate in New Hampshire set for February 4.

“We think it should be an orderly process, and not an ad hoc process”, said Tad Devine, Sanders’ campaign strategist. “When you go to caucus Monday night please think of this”. Clinton’s campaign, meanwhile, rang doorbells at even more than 125,000 doors, an aide said, and campaign manager Robby Mook even hit the streets to engage voters. “When we have debates, the one here in Iowa was literally on the night of a huge football game”.