HONOLULU -- The Democrats and Republicans are turning a lot of attention to Hawaii in a presidential race that has become unexpectedly close, according to recent polls.

Vice President Dick Cheney is heading to Hawaii for a Republican rally on Sunday, Gov. Linda Lingle said. The rally for Cheney starts at 11 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center. The vice president is scheduled to appear in four other states before arriving in Hawaii on Sunday.

The Vice President will fly Air Force Two there from New Mexico. He will spend 13.5 hours in the air round-trip to be on the ground for about two hours.

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Cheney spokeswoman Ann Womack said, "Hawaii is a state where the President's leadership resonates. It's a very close race. We think we're competitive and we think it's worth the trip. There's an opportunity out there."

Lingle said she expects thousands of people to attend.

"He's a former Secretary of Defense, so he has spent time here before. He has strong connections with the military and veterans, and i think that will be an important part of his visit," Lingle said.

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The Democrats are also sending some big names in the party. Former Vice President Al Gore and Sen. John Kerry's eldest daughter, Alexandra, are scheduled to arrive Friday.

Both are scheduled to appear Friday at a Farrington High School rally organized by Democratic Rep. Neil Abercrombie's re-election campaign. They will appear between 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

Hawaii has emerged as a battleground state in the last week. Recent polls, including one by KITV 4 News and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, show the race for president in Hawaii is in a virtual tie. With polls showing tight races in a number of other states, it makes Hawaii's four electoral college votes more important than in past elections.