The race for governor appears set to go down to the wire, and several prominent national figures are visiting the Ocean State in the contest’s final days.

On Oct. 24, Democratic nominee General Treasurer Gina Raimondo welcomed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton – the party’s presumed frontrunner for the 2016 presidential nomination – for a campaign stop at Rhode Island College. First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to campaign for Raimondo on Thursday at the Juanita Sanchez School in Providence.

The Republican nominee, Cranston Mayor Allan Fung, on Tuesday received another visit from New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – the head of the Republican Governors Association, and himself a frequently mentioned presidential prospect – with campaign events held in Cranston and on Federal Hill. Christie told members of the media he would return Monday, and Fung has also appeared publicly with Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 presidential nominee.

Clinton, who was joined by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed at the Raimondo rally, told supporters she has been following the general treasurer’s career over the years.

The event was branded “Rebuilding the Middle Class” in keeping with a slogan of Raimondo’s campaign, and Clinton – a former first lady and New York senator – homed in on an economic rationale for Raimondo’s candidacy.

“At a time when this state still faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, you deserve a governor who is focused like a laser on creating jobs,” she said.

“I really think that Rhode Island would be so well served by having this extraordinary woman take responsibility for your state. She knows how to get results by finding common ground, but she sure knows how to stand her ground when necessary,” she continued. “It comes down to a simple question: Who’s on your side?”

Raimondo told those on hand she was “bursting with pride and excitement to be able to introduce my idol.” She also used the event to reiterate her criticism of Fung, characterizing the mayor as a political insider more interested in the interests of business than those of workers.

On the same day as Clinton’s visit to Providence, Fung made a campaign stop at Brutopia on Atwood Avenue in Cranston. The microbrewery and barbecue restaurant opened earlier this year, and the mayor highlighted the establishment as representative of his successful record and hands-on approach.

“It’s a perfect example of the Cranston comeback story,” he said, flanked by owner Umberto Sorbo and brewmaster Sean Larkin. “I’m proud of Brutopia and I want to tell their story.”

Fung said his visit to Brutopia was “absolutely” designed as a response to Raimondo’s campaign advertisement highlighting the revival of Narragansett Beer, which was backed by Raimondo’s former venture-capital firm.

“The result? Beer with Rhode Island’s name on it that’s brewed by workers in New York,” Fung said.

Asked about Clinton’s visit to the Ocean State, Fung said he is focused on reaching out directly to voters and sharing his vision.

“We’ve seen a lot of national figures come in,” he said. “I’m doing whatever I can to get my message out … I’ve taken a hands-on approach in Cranston, and I’ll do the same as governor.”

Polling has suggested a close race, with Raimondo holding a slight edge over Fung. A Rasumussen Reports survey found the general treasurer with a 42-37 percent advantage, while a CBS News/New York Times/YouGov poll found Raimondo leading Fung by a narrower 41-38 percent margin.

A recent Brown University survey found a slightly larger edge for Raimondo, with her leader 41-30 percent among likely voters. The Fung campaign last month released the results of an internal Public Opinion Strategies survey it said found the candidates were tied at 42 percent support.

Robert Healey, who has on several occasions been a candidate for statewide office under the Cool Moose banner, is also running for governor on the Moderate Party ticket.

In addition to the visits from the first lady and Christie, President Barack Obama, who has endorsed Raimondo, rescheduled a visit to the state that was cancelled earlier this month in response to the Ebola crisis.

The president is set to deliver remarks on the economy on Oct. 31 at Rhode Island College.