MASON CITY (AP) - Singer-songwriter Paul Simon says the political process is too focused on money and not on issues.

Simon is joining longtime friend and Democratic presidential hopeful Chris Dodd on campaign stops as part of the Connecticut senator's five-day "River to River" bus tour of Iowa.

In Mason City Thursday morning, Simon says after watching a recent Democratic debate he felt the most serious issues weren't directed toward the candidates with the most expertise -- including Dodd, who he's known for about 25 years.

He says in Iowa he expects to find more attention being paid to the issues.

Simon is expected to perform in Fort Dodge before traveling to Sioux City with Dodd. Friday he's slated to appear in Carroll and Council Bluffs.