Barkley, who’s approaching 20 percent support in recent polls in the three-way race, is scheduled to visit south-central Minnesota Saturday morning and afternoon. Then, Barkley will bring his low-budget campaign back to the Twin Cities for a televised debate against his big-bucks opponents.

With no money so far for television ads, Barkley needs to connect with voters when he gets free air time like he will for 90 minutes starting at 7 p.m. on KARE (channel 11). A former official in the Jesse Ventura administration, Barkley had a strong performance in the first Senate debate Sunday, but that one was broadcast only on radio.

As for his local visits, Barkley will meet IP members and other supporters from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Happy Chef on Highway 169 in North Mankato. And he will be at Octoberfest in New Ulm from noon to 3 p.m.