Senator Ben Nelson and challenger Pete Ricketts have spent millions of dollars sparring over the airwaves and with the election a month-and-a-half away, some big guns were in town Friday to join the fight.

The political firepower came from two sources.

Presidential advisor Karl Rove was stumping for Republican Ricketts.

Rove said, "I wanted to come here tonight and say, thanks."

George W. Bush's presidential advisor addressed those who volunteer for the Ricketts campaign. More than 100 even stood in line waiting to have their picture taken with him.

Ricketts said, "We are pleased to have presidential advisor Karl Rove here."

But what added to the gravity of the event was a surprise appearance by Nebraska's senior senator, Chuck Hagel.

Hagel said, "Karl, it does count to have you out here. The support from the White House has been particularly important."

Senator Nelson is in McCook, Nebraska, for Heritage Days and wasn't available for an interview but his communications director, Marcia Cady, doesn't think the visit by a presidential advisor really helps when it comes to the voters.

Cady said, "We think the campaign is not Karl Rove. I know Pete Ricketts has brought in a lot of people and he will continue to do that. The campaign is really about who will represent Nebraska."

Nonetheless, Senator Hagel has been noticeably absent from the Ricketts campaign and his appearance seemed to resonate with the party faithful.

Hagel says, "I don't think it's good enough to have one real conservative from Nebraska and then kind of a half-conservative when we have the opportunity to have two real conservatives in the U.S. Senate for Nebraska."

Ben Nelson's campaign remains confident and doesn't think this changes a thing.

Cady says polls show a, "20 point difference. He spent $10 million. Clearly what he's talking about hasn't gained any traction."

Senator Hagel told Karl Rove that the he'd love to see the president come to town before Election Day.

Political experts believe Pete Ricketts will first have to close Ben Nelson's sizeable lead before that happens.