Mitt Romney spoke first and said the Republican party needs to return America to its strength - strong families, a strong military and a strong economy.

Romney, who many predict to win today's vote, said, "change begins in Iowa, and change begins today."

"It's time to have change in Washington and that's exactly what's going to result with what happens here today," Romney said.

He discussed the importance of building the strength of the military, economy and family.

He pushed for adding 100,000 troops and giving veterans the care they deserve. He said while it's easy to criticize President Bush, he has kept America safe during his tenure.

Romney supporters packed the mosh pit in front of the stage decked out in yellow t-shirts. They gave loud ovations when he spoke about keeping taxes in check. He took a jab at Democratic candidate John Edwards' savings plan, which he said translates into one of the former senator's haircuts.

He wants middle class America to have the new tax rate of zero, so they can invest in their futures, he said.

Romney hit on other key issues including ending America's reliance on foreign oil and implementing an employer verification system to aid in ending illegal immigration.

He reiterated his anti-abortion stance and how he wants to strengthen marriage.

"And how do we strengthen marriage? One of the most important ways is that we help our kids understand that before they have babies they get married," Romney said.

He also talked of the need to block pornographic images on the Internet and stop people from preying on children on the Internet with a "one strike and you're out" law.

Romney ended his speech with his story of Olympian Derek Parra, who later joined him on stage. Parra, he said, became one of his heroes after his pride in carrying the tattered American flag that flew over the World Trade Center during the Sept. 11th attacks.

Parra told Romney of the silence as he was one of eight carrying the flag and how it tugged at his emotions and how that unity needs to remain and strengthen America.

-- By Chris Dorsey and Gwen Tietgen