EASTERN IOWA -- Two of the leading Democratic presidential candidates campaigned in Iowa Monday.

Senator Hillary Clinton and former Senator John Edwards are both trying to get more Iowans to caucus for them.

Many polls show Clinton is the national front runner. Her competitors aren't afraid to attack her plans and ideas.

So we asked Clinton if she plans to run any negative campaign ads about other candidates.

"I hope we can stay positive. I don't believe in attacking people first. I do believe in protecting myself and defending myself, but I hope we can stay positive," Clinton said.

Edwards said he also plans to focus on the positive in his ads. But Edwards also said Clinton represents the status quo, and he represents change.

"People want Washington shook up. That's what I intend to do as President. I'm going to shake that place up. There's no excuse for politicians in Washington having health care when America has no health care," Edwards said.

Senator Clinton says she's the better choice because she has the right experience.

"I believe that I am ready to lead on day one, that I have the experience on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. I have the ability to really hit the ground running," Clinton said.

Edwards says he has experience, too. Plus, he plans to get rid of problems Americans have complained about for years.

“I plan on getting rid of the influence of powerful interests in Washington. I plan on getting rid of the influence of lobbyists. It means making sure our generation, my generation's children, have a better life than we have," Edwards said.

Both candidates may disagree on a number of issues, but they both agree the next president should be a democrat.

The two candidates plan to spend much of the next few weeks here in Iowa.

The other Democratic leader -- Barack Obama, has similar plans. Remember, the Iowa caucuses are on January 3rd.

E-mail Mark Geary at Mark.Geary@kcrg.com