2010 Primary Gameday - Congressionals and Governor

[crowd beginning to form on Flanny’s Patio]

CHRIS FOWLER: Welcome back to Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge. We’re back to talk Congressional… and to pull an audible on you? We’re doing the Governors race too. Fellas we lots to cover. Let’s jump into it.

BEANO COOK: Notre Dame.

FOWLER: (Sigh…) Alright… talking Federal races. We have the “Big 3”… and yes this is a conference the Republicans want to make some expansion. First the standard bearer, Chuck Grassley.

KIRK HERBSTREIT: Chris, anyone who thinks that Grassley is going down this year, needs to put down the pipe. Right Coach?

LEE CORSO: Kirk, we agree. Chuckles cruises to victory, but down a bumpy highway… could be made bumpier if not navigated well by campaign.

FOWLER: Beano?

BEANO: Like Red Grange rolling over the Midwestern Steps, This man just keeps rolling along like the Mighty Mississippi, the only real question is how long can this ship keep running, and who steps up to take the baton?

CROWD: Heyyyyy!!!!!! Grassley works! Grassley works! …

FOWLER: Let me throw another softball at you guys. Steve King.

CORSO: Chris, another win and look toward a higher office… Hmm?

BEANO: This feels like déjà vu, like a Golden Domer winning the Heisman in the 50s, but I guess we’re back at 2 years for this man to show up, chew bubble gum, and kick ass.

PACK OF DRUNK COLLEGE KIDS IN THE BACKGOUND: Effin’ aye John Deere right! Yeahhhhhhhh!

[Crowd roars]

FOWLER: The love themselves some Beano and Steve King today.

HERBSTREIT: No contest. A lot like the same situation as Latham.

CROWD: [starting to bring the Gameday rowdiness] TL! *clap clap* TL!! *clap clap* TL!!!! *clap clap*….

FOWLER: Perfect segway, Kirk. Coach, your take on Latham this year?

CORSO: Chris, he already won this election 2 years ago.

BEANO: Tom Latham. Another rock solid star. Have I mentioned Notre Dame lately?

FOWLER: Yes. Yes you did, Beano. Now, how about sending some help with these guys next January. Now we have a little action in the other three. Let’s start in the First District. Guys, not much buzz in this one. Winner takes on Braley. Four guys running. Is this a tough one Coach?

CORSO: In what is the most difficult general election congressional district for Republicans, the 1st district, I hope a good challenger emerges. For all the attention primaries are getting this June this race is being lost in the shuffle. Whoever can afford to run an effective mail program wins easy; I think that person will be Ben Lange. Beano, what do you got?

BEANO: While I enjoyed the writings of Jim Budde, check them out some time… and I love that LaCoste is going to vote for himself rather than endorse someone else. I am going to give this one to Ben Lange in the battle of campaigns that makes old Beano realize he’s too old for this shit. And are those campaign websites, or Facebook friend pages, Beano can’t tell anymore.

FOWLER: Beano, you and your interwebs. Kirk?

HERBSTREIT: If the Albany Great Danes, Furman Paladins, Stony Brook Seawolves, and the Richmond Spiders had a round robin tournament to see who got pulverized by the 2010 Hawkeyes….would you pay attention? Me either… this is the political equivalent. Some good talent in this race. Thank you for waving the flag.

CROWD: Booooo…..

FOWLER: Kirk, love you for bringing the snarky sexy back. Agreed gentlemen. Now on to a raise where there’s no need for a snooze button… you need a pancho for the mud actually. The Second District.

CORSO: Getting a little nasty Chris.

FOWLER: Yes it has Coach, some familiar faces are battling out East. Fake Facebook accounts, emails… all this stuff. Beano… since you’ve behaved so far today, you get first crack.

BEANO: I’ll go with 3M on this one, I like the name and I think that might be something to get some fannies down to their local voting locales. Reminds me of this time a young Woody Hayes asked me to show up for some for some extra curriculars with some Buckeye cheer girls, long story short Woody and I killed them and buried them in the woods… as any one from Ohio State is evil, good times though. Get out and vote.

CROWD: Whoah…… [concerned looks on their faces]

HERBSTREIT: Easy there, Beano.

[Fowler and Corso… disturbed looks back on their face]

FOWLER: And we were doing so well… Kirk, let’s keep pushing forward. Your take?

HERBSTREIT: While this race is muddled and hectic the fact that Loebsack is Loebsack makes the primary interesting. We got a shot here. Gettemy makes the lace entrance and rumor has it has money. Mariannette “3M” Miller-Meeks is running again for a seat she made a run at before. Rathje is running again but this time has focused more on being a real candidate and less on tanning. Reed is back after making a gallant run at Tommy Harkin. All 4 are could put together a run at Loebsack, I can’t say that name enough…its just funny. I think Miller-Meeks comes out on top simply because she has the infrastructure here and she never stopped working. This could easily go to convention which becomes a worst case scenario for 3M.

FOWLER: Interesting, Kirk. I hear it’s closer than most think. Coach… Do we have a convention here?

CORSO: We have a real bare-knuckle brawl for the Second District and it’s a sloppy track in this horse race. They are fighting dirty, its going to take all four quarters and it still might not be enough in this mud bowl. It’s a three way race to 35 percent and it’s a close one! Do I smell a little overtime?! Maybe, or that stench could be coming from the errand campaign attacks that seem to be the MO in CD2. And it might get worse! It could be a convention call if Christopher Reed… Did you know he got over 500 thousand votes for US Senate… I heard that somewhere… gets enough over 500 votes to get around or above 5 percent, although I wouldn’t bet on it. But if this thing goes to overtime, let me tell you folks, you think it’s getting ugly now haven’t seen anything yet. A convention in the loony land of Linn is a recipe for a stink bomb that will have lingering fallout through and possibly beyond the general election. For the love of Jesus T’s somebody better end this thing Tuesday! And if Gettemy is not afraid to spend all of his Jesus t-shirt money he may be able to do it. Rathje might be able to creep up to 35, but his campaign reeks of desperation so I find that very unlikely. But wait a minute… through that cloud of dirt I see a Woody Hayes-esq game plan in action. Its Miller-Meeks’ three yards and a cloud of dust ground attack, she’s been everywhere, working overtime and 3M’s risky mail only strategy might just pay off. Down the final stretch it’s 3M by a nose, followed closely by Gettemy who will Place, and Rathje who will Show. A convention is narrowly avoided giving Mariannette her second shot at Congressman Dumbsack, err Libsack, um Noesack, I mean Loebsack.

CROWD: SAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!!! [Crowd is now getting Cedar Rapids crazy with their rowdiness]

FOWLER: Let see here. For those of you scoring at home…. That’s 2 Woody Hayes references, Jebus T-Shirts and some sort of shout out to Scott Stanzel from the crowd all in one district’s predictions… this is a QCI event.

CROWD: [getting into a frenzy…. Enter G$.... And G$ is now… crowd surfing?] Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! G MONEY! G MONEY! G MONEY!

FOWLER: And G$ is crowd surfing. Epic. This Second District will be interesting… I say toss up. Now… to the top Congressional race in the state. The Third District. Kirk, tons of notes on this one.

HERBSTREIT: Chris, this is gonna get wild. OK, brutal round of elimination. If your name isn’t Funk, Zaun, Gibbons, or Rees sit down. Mark Rees warrants conversation only because he has done well with his signs and received the Register endorsement. In addition, a big Branstad push in Polk County will help Rees. But any Republican who gets the Register endorsement for saying the things Rees said in a Republican primary is toast. Oh and signs just make candidates feel good….they don’t vote.

That leaves the 3 real contenders in what I think may be the most interesting race on June 8th. Funk, fundraising has been alright, but this guy has a great story, works his tail off and has really courted the Tea-Party. I like this guy and I think he will be around. Serious potential here to cause the liberals fits.

Zaun, huge advantage in a powerful network in the Republican vote rich areas of Western Polk County. Zaun is a populist who relates well to everyone. No one out works Zaun in a campaign….ever.

Gibbons, big chucks of money, great hard worker. Yes Gibbons moved into the district to run. Guess what, that happens and it doesn’t change elections. Gibbons’s name ID isn’t that high. Quick name the ISU wrestling coach….yeah I don’t know either. Rumor has it Gibbons has lotso debt and restricted money. Not good. Also, what the heck does “Burn the Boats” mean. That might be sweet for a wrestling team moto but if you have to explain your campaign motto….every time you speak…for months on end…its not a good campaign motto.

Funk hit the ground running and looked like a dark horse. Zaun jumped in and it was his to loose until Gibbons brought his ATM fundraiser machine in and made it interesting. Where does it go from here?

My gut reaction is there is a slight Zaun edge right now. Zaun has been working it harder and longer and has better name id in the part of the district that is voter rich. Gibbons has money and is pouring it on over the airwaves he is also a stellar candidate. If Jim had jumped in sooner and run a better campaign, I would tip my hat. Funk is going to be the shocker. He will do well. A great deal of support, good candidate, hard worker. However, I don’t think he can beat Zaun or Gibbons on Election Day. Zaun wins and keeps it out convention….barely….probably.

FOWLER: That close?

HERBSTREIT: since there nearly as many candidates as voters in this election there is a very real change this goes to convention. At convention, it’s Zaun vs. Funk ant it’s frankly to close to call. Gibbons has no shot in a convention. I have heard the Zaun camp says they have enough delegates locked up to win it with ease. Trouble is Funk says they are within in striking distance too. Me thinks some one has counted wrong. Whomever we have on June 9th they are going to be a great candidate and have a great shot at taking out liberal Nancy Pelosi’s favorite central Iowan.

CROWD: Yeah!!!!!! GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap* GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap* GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap*…

FOWLER: Beano? I hate to even ask… thoughts?

BEANO: I hate to narrow this down to a three horse race, but like the Big Ten every year, I think the cream rises to the top and we all know the Gophers aren’t going to win it again this year. I remember Bo Schembechler once told me that to really win that greatest of conference titles, you had to sell your soul to Satan and beat two dozen kittens to death while naked in a corn field. Does that advice ring true in the Third? Not really, I just wanted everyone to know that Bo really hated Kittens.

FOWLER: Why? Just why?

BEANO: Anyway, The old Bean Eater is going to predict Brad Zaun in this one. As much as I would love to tell GMLB to “FUNK OFF” I go with Zaun and maybe some other clever play on words that has the Letter Z in it.

CROWD: [getting Veisha-ish rowdy… a few burning couches] Yeah!!!!!! GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap* GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap* GM *clap clap* LB *clap clap*…

FOWLER: The crowd seems to want to take ole GMLB down… Coach help us wrap up the Congressionals…

CORSO: In what is turning out to be a very exciting race to the finish… And to this point a mighty clean one I might add, Kirk.

HERBSTREIT: Darn right, Coach. A touch of class in this one.

CORSO: It’s a real two horse race with a couple decent vote getters coming in third and forth. For a race as close as this you would expect to see more mud flying, but so far it has looked like a game of gentleman. Leads me to believe, Kirk, that a couple of these candidates know something that we don’t, or are lying in the weeds ready to pounce at the last minute. I don’t particularly trust the demeanor. It could mean three things, both frontrunners Gibbons and Zaun like their polling numbers, which means one of their pollsters stink. Another possibility with funds at a premium one of them isn’t polling - which is not likely. It could be the mud slingshot is just getting calibrated for a last minute snipe. But when you study the tape, we have two solid players at the helm with different strengths. Is it political experience and motivating the team that will that will carry the day, or is it cash packed coffers that takedown the opposition. I’m really wrestling with this pick. It’s really hard to pin down who I should elect, I mean select. Let me tell you something, I keep going back and forth, reversing my opinion; the Coach, the Mayor, the Champ, the Senator, holy moly it’s a great matchup but I have to go with…. Hmmm… the Champ Jim Gibbons to win by technical fall!!! This one won’t have to go to overtime, and it’s a cant lose situation. Bye, Bye Boswell!

CROWD: [Frenzy is getting Kentucky Derby infield crazy… and chants] Bye bye Boswell!!!!! * clap clap, clap clap clap* Bye bye Boswell!!!!! * clap clap, clap clap clap* Bye bye Boswell!!!!! * clap clap, clap clap clap* Bye bye Boswell!!!!! * clap clap, clap clap clap*

FOWLER: Fellas… interesting. I agree. Should be a wild night in Central Iowa. And now… let’s go to the big one. The one everyone is talking about.

CROWD: [insane frenzy has begun… DMPD arriving in riot gear] YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOWLER: Now… the Des Moines Register announced their poll this weekend. And if you’re over in the Roberts or the Vander Plaats headquarters… You might need a little pep talk. And we have you covered. And now from one of the Masters… Via satellite here’s a pep talk from Lou Holtz… Coach, pep these folks up.

LOU HOLTZ: Thank you Chris. Men… I haveth to tell yeah. Helluva job.

Men… I’m talking to you fellasth in Carroll, Team Roberts. You are a classth act. You’ve come a long way down this road, if things don’t work out Tuesday, I knowth you’ll give a good clean handsthake after everything is done. Old Lou knows that bad blood can run deep, but you’re nosth that kind of men. You’ve made Old Lou proud.

Men… Team BVP… I realithe its been 82 long years since Bob first began running for governor. And there have been some rough patches. But even the bethst have had some rough patches. Look at the Rick Mirer era. But the powerhouthe programs rebound. And Bob is just that kind of powerhouthe.

Lithen here men, this is the biggetht day of your lives. Terry Bransthad might be winning in the polls. But if the last decade has taught us anything its that Bob is firstht in Hawkeye hearths. So, let’s go. It’sth time to run down the field like Raghib Ishmael with linemen blatantly clipping Colorado Buffalos at every turn. Get dirty. Bring out the big guns. And we all know there isth no bigger gun in the world than Walker Texas Ranger. He’s like Jesus, mixed with Rockne, mixed with Rod Tidwell. He will show you the money. And the vothes.

So men, it might look bleak. You might question your very being. You might wonder why you have waved signs and eaten Dutch letters, and courted evangelical pastors, and attacked any viable candidate our party could possibly put forth for what theems like an eternity. You might think to yourself that Terry Branstad is a stronger opponent than Mitt Romney. But don’t doubt yourself now. We know we have the big guy on our side.
Men, did Moses give up with the Egyptians bombed Pearl Harbor. No. Some rules are made to be broken. And some men are meant to be Championths. You are meant to be a Champion.

Be a Champion today men. Go win this thing. Irith on three.

CROWD: [riot levels at an all time QCI high]

FOWLER: From the master himself. Thank you Dr. Lou. You gotta play the game.

CORSO: I wanna run through a brick wall now! Nice job Coach!

FOWLER: And the mascot head is officially on the stage.

CROWD: [deafening roar] YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

FOWLER: Prediction time. This is the grand daddy… and I know Beano loves him some Rose Bowl… so start us of Mr. Cook.

BEANO: Lou you know better than anyone on my take... But this one is the Notre Dame vs. Miami matchup we all want to see. I apologize to Rob Roberts as he seems like a good guy, but this is a two person dance and one that might not have a mid field handshake when all is said and done. Beano is a Big Ten guy, but is also a Big TenT guy. And no, I did not hide a secret 11 in my Big TenT. I think that I am going to call this one for the Mustache and hopefully with no collateral damage to the party.

FOWLER: Lots and lots of Notre Dame references today. Kirk, is this the year of the ‘Stache?

HERBSTREIT: Chris… This is the big one and the most anticipated Republican primary in Iowa in years. Culver is vulnerable and the winner on June 8th will have a great shot at moving to 2300 Grand Ave. With all the twists and turns this primary has taken and all the characters who have jumped in and eventually bowed out it is time to put this thing to bed.

FOWLER: Break it down for us, Kirk.

HERBSTREIT: Vander Plaats has been running for Governor since his parents were dating. I respect the guy and he works his tail off, but seriously sometimes the little engine just can’t. He has a large base of strong supporters who will outwork and outlast anyone who doesn’t have a mustache. BVP has raised more money than expected but I am not sure what they are doing with it. BVP also has support you can’t put a money value on. The IFPC took a shot of saki and aimed their plane at the USS Branstad on his behalf and Deace has been talking up BVP so much its borderline a corporate campaign contribution from the folks over on Grand. That aside, BVP has worked hard and should be commended for fighting for conservatives.

CORSO: Well put, Kirk.

HERBSTREIT: Rod Roberts is the nice guy in the race. The former pastor from Carroll has been all over the state quietly building a strong base. Roberts hasn’t had as much luck raising money but he has done the best he can on a shoestring budget. Rod is also in the right place at the right time. He will be the natural landing spot for people uneasy or unsatisfied with bringing back Branstad, and sick and tired of BVP running for Governor.

FOWLER: And Branstad?

HERBSTREIT: Terry’s reentry to the Iowa political scene did two things. Crushed the gubernatorial hopes of some candidates and made mustaches important again. These guys are putting on a clinic. Dave Vaudt’s endorsement was a prime example. Not a peep on who it was and when I did get a tip it was an hour before the announcement from someone who NEVER has bad info….and it was wrong. The KGB couldn’t keeps stuff covered this well. Fundrasing. Really if you don’t know about this then you have probably been under a rock. TEB outraised his opponents. TEB outraised his opponents combined. TEB outraised his opponents combined many times over. TEB has raised and spent more than the rest combined many times over and STILL has more on hand then they have raised combined. Either the mustache generates money or these guys just work harder than anyone thought possible. You don’t have to like the guy and you do not have to vote for him. However you cannot look at that machine and not be impressed. It was apparently impressive enough for the Democrat warlord Robert Tully to get worried find some trial lawyer money mix in some Union funding and come out guns blazing in an attempt to slow down the train.

FOWLER: You guys are loving the ‘Stache. What’s you’re score Kirk?

HERBSTREIT: The results of this race will shock people. No, no one is gonna stop the Stash, but Roberts will come from no where and finish second. Since we all know who comes out on top at the end I’ll stick my neck out and say Branstad 58, Roberts 22, BVP 20. Hats off to a well run campaign. I think all the campaigns did the best they could with what they got under the circumstances. The really bad news for Mr. Tully and Gov. Culver is the unity within the party. No matter who you support the thing I hear more often than not, is Chet has to go.

CROWD: [deafening chant] T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!! T! E! B!!!!

FOWLER: It’s time… the last prediction from the old coach…

HERBSTREIT: I’m going to get step away here… Coach! Bring us home!

CORSO: After a large slate of competitive and great races it comes down to the big enchilada!

HERBSTREIT: Enchilada yum, there’s this great Mexican place in Tempe Arizona that has the best enchiladas.

CORSO: Kirk, not so fast my friend… Whoo whoo we aren’t going there. I’m talking about the race for Iowa’s Chief Executive. Let’s start with the governor candidate newcomer Rod Roberts, what can you say about him, class act all the way around. Genuine good guy and he has statewide ads to boot. Not the one to sleep on, could it be the shocker of the decade? Not if the veterans have anything to say about it. Bob Vander Plaats, where have I heard that name before? It sounds very familiar, oh that’s right it’s the year 2010, another Iowa Gubernatorial election is upon us and you know what that means, Bob Vander Plaats is on your ballot folks! That’s right BVP may be Dutch but is the third time his lucky charm? He is all over my TV screen, has launched a lot mud at debates and has big money liberal backing.

FOWLER: What?! BVP has Liberal backing?

CORSO: You got that right, unsolicited too. Liberal front group Iowans for Responsible Government is running interference and is driving around in an ambiguously marked spreader slinging so much of the stinky stuff you’d thought you stepped in it! And who are they slinging that stuff at? You all know him, he’s the undefeated Hall of Famer Terry Branstad who’s seen enough, is fed up and is coming out of retirement to do something about it. This is how it’s gonna go down folks, Roberts has run a solid campaign. Lasted a lot longer than anyone thought and is taking it all the way. Upset of the decade…already? Vander Plaats has stormed Iowa for nearly a decade, he is very well known, and pretty well liked by most measures. But he has saddled himself up with some pretty undesirable company. Forget take their ball and go home, some talk about burning the boats and taking the island. This guys surrogates have left the boats, burned the bridges, scorched the earth and poisoned the well in an attempt to leave nothing behind for anyone whether it be Bob or not. With friends like those who needs enemies, right Beano?

BEANO: Notre Dame.

CORSO: When you ally with people committed to burning the entire party down to the ground, in the end it could hurt him more than it will help him. The Country is burning; these people do a lot more fighting the firemen than fighting the fires. But enough preaching from this old man let’s get to a prediction. Rod Roberts stays above the fray and… upset of the decade? I don’t think so, but he likely positioned himself for a very nice gig serving Iowans in another capacity. Bob Vander Plaats certainly has passionate supporters, but is it enough to put him over the top, could it be that his experience running for office paid off? Has the negativity stuck to Branstad? Has Governor Terry Branstads Record brought him down? Branstad has stayed above the fray and has the proven experience to run and win. But don’t call it a comeback folks… wait not so fast my friends! The Iowa comeback express will be full steam ahead on June 9th… The state of Iowa will have a clear choice between surpluses and deficits, between common sense and incompetence, between honesty and transparency or corruption and shenanigans. Between Conservative and Liberal, it will be an easier choice in November than it is now folks!

CROWD: [building frenzy of anticipation]

CORSO: Governor Branstad has kicked ass then and he’ll do it again. [slaps the desk] I’m going Branstad!!! [Corso puts on Branstad mascot head]


CROWD: [ear bleeding roar and chant] YEAHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! TEB! TEB! TEB! TEB!

CORSO: Yeah!!!!!!! The ‘Stache is back!!!!!! TEB! TEB!

CROWD: [DMPD riot squads begin marching… crowd out of hand] TEB! TEB! TEB! TEB! TEB!

FOWLER: There you have it. Predictions have been made and the vote is on. Don’t for get to vote everyone! Good night, now.

2010 Primary Gameday - Statewides

CHRIS FOWLER: Live, on the new ridiculous death trap in street redesign that is Ingersoll Avenue… We’re at Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge… It’s that time of year, so it’s QCI Primary Gameday. I’m Chris Fowler. In less than a week… the polls will be open. But the scheming and strategery continues. With me as always Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. Fellas, welcome back.

KIRK HERBSTREIT: Chris, what a different a year and a half makes. I’m pumped.

LEE CORSO: Couldn’t have said it better my friend. One week to go!

FOWLER: A little change up in our programming this week. Since this is one of the bigger primary seasons we have witnessed in a while. We’re doing a three post event here for Primary Gameday.

CORSO: Three post event! That G$ sure is crazy.

HERBSTREIT: Coach, I believe epic is what you’re trying to say.

FOWLER: Epic indeed, Kirk. And since we’re dragging this into three. We thought we’d add some extra help to the show. QCI-ders, via satellite, welcome legendary analyst Beano Cook.

BEANO COOK: Great to be here. I haven’t been this excited since I was named honorary chaperone to the USC Song Girls at South Bend in ‘67. Only to have my mojo stolen by that blasted Orenthal James fellow.

FOWLER: Still not over that, huh Beano?

BEANO: Damn you to hell OJ Simpson.

FOWLER: Alright then. Today we’ll cover the statewide candidates. As you all know the executive council… as it’s called, are all up this year. The Rs control 2 of these offices. Auditor of State, Dave Vaudt… and Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. These guys have really made a good base point for republicans to take back the other 6 offices. Quick thoughts on these great leaders?

HERBSTREIT: Bill Northey, this guy is everywhere and he doesn’t even have a primary. Every event I go, Northey is there smiling and shaking hands. He is the nicest guy on the ticket, if you don’t like Nothey you are probably a communist.

CORSO: Kirk! We agree! Bill will campaign hard for down ballot and to solidify his position. Solid, solid leader.

HERBSTREIT: He sure is, Coach. The Democrats have dredged up another organic fanatic pretend farmer to run against a real Iowa farmer. This will be an interesting match up as the Greenpeace types line with the D who no one knows and John Deere green types line up with the only real farmer in the race.

BEANO: I love the gold and green, like Notre Dame in 1973, although I swear I have seen that Northey logo before.

FOWLER: No real disagreements here on this one. Northey is just good at what he does. And everyone’s favorite Watch Dog is up this year….

BEANO: Ruff, Ruff, Ruff, wait… I wasn’t referencing David Vaudt, this is just what I like to do on a late Thursday night after going into the casual encounters section of Craigslist in a cheap hotel.

[Fowler, Herbstreit and Corso all with disturbed looks on their faces]

FOWLER: Uh… yeah. The Watch Dog, Auditor Dave Vaudt. Kirk, your take?

HERBSTREIT: STILL the only CPA in the race, infact guys he is the only person in the race. You can’t out dress him and you can’t beat him, heck you can’t even find someone to run against him.

CORSO: No Kirk, they cannot! No challenger, no problem, will help down ballot races.

FOWLER: Only one of the challengers in the statewides… without a primary is Brenna Findley. She has built quite the following. Impressive fundraising numbers. Is she going to be the mayor of Upset City this fall, Coach?

CORSO: Awe HA! Chris! Love her! Keep an eye on this one, she’s got fire! Kirk, we were just talking about her.

HERBSTREIT: We agree again, Coach. Move over Sarah Palin there is a new darling of the Iowa Conservatives and this one knows where Russia is. Where to start. Brenna is a homeschooled Iowa girl who worked as Congressman Steve King’s Chief of Staff. Translation: She is a rock solid conservative with natural ties with two of the hardest working networks. She got her law degree from the University of Chicago, routinely one of the top 5 schools in the Nation. She also managed to out raise Good ‘Ol Tom Miller SEVERAL times over. Brenna raked in an eye-popping $124K crushing Miller’s $15K. Tom’s got a problem and we got a candidate to give him fits. The feisty lawyer from Dexter has given Republican’s the best hope since Miller took office approximately one year after the last ice age.

BEANO: What would make her candidacy better? If she got her law degree from the University of Notre Dame. But she may have it better. A law degree from a Big Ten school.

FOWLER: Wondered how long until we’d get an old school Big Ten reference out of you Beano.

BEANO: As G$ says for you people in Story City who didn’t catch that. The University of Chicago was a founding member of the Big Ten.

FOWLER: Thanks for clarifying that Beano. On to races where we have actual primaries in these statewides.... State Treasurer. Coach, you get first stab on this one.

CORSO: A real opportunity for a Republican general election pick up here for State Treasurer. we have a couple good guys running for the chance. In the east end zone we have Jim Heavens the “Mayor from a town where the tax rates went down.” And at midfield we have Republican County All-Star Dave Jamison. Heavens loaned himself the money and has been on the radio and to boot he has a great low name ID name, who doesn’t want to pull the lever for Heaven’s sake. But, not so fast my friend!

HERBSTREIT: Here it comes…

CORSO: Story County Treasurer Dave Jamison has done a lot around the state organizing county officials for years. Dave is very well known and liked in the Republican Party and has the endorsements to prove it. I have to think that wins the day for Jamison and immediately will put State Treasurer Fitzgerald on upset alert. But I’ll tell you this, Heavens is a smart guy and a good Republican prospect, don’t be surprised to see him again down the road.

FOWLER: Upset alert. I like it. Kirk?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, I dub this race, the Marine vs. the Mayor. First, Jim Heavens. This guy is no dummy. DR. Jim Evans has a phd in Agriculture and did a heck of a job as the Mayor of Dyersville, as Coach said, “he’s the Mayor of the town where the tax rates went down.” Also, home of the slightly more notable Field of Dreams.

FOWLER: If you build it, will they vote?

HERBSTREIT: Getting to that Chris. Enter Dave Jamison. I know Beano will have more on this… But… OK… I will admit I didn’t know as much about Jamison as I thought. Not only a Story county Treasurer but also a former Marine with a Masters in Finance.

BEANO: Hell yes.

HERBSTREIT: The Race. Heavens has a little over 30K on hand almost all of it from a loan. Jamison has been everywhere and has raised over 30K the way you want to see it done. Lots of small donors. He also served on the Republican State Central Committee. Jamison has the advantages and the fundamentals down. It’s going to take more than some Kevin Kostner magic outta Dyersville to beat the Marine from Ames. What say you Beano?

BEANO: Like a pre-op Transvestite, I’m just going to pull this out really fast here. I go with Jamison, and only because you don’t eff with a Marine, much the same way you didn’t mess with the 1959 Iowa Hawkeyes.

[Fowler, Herbstreit and Corso with very disturbed looks on their faces.]

FOWLER: Uh… So I guess the consensus is… Jameson because of his statewide network. Makes sense to me, but I think you’re right Coach. This isn’t the last time we’ll see this mayor.

CORSO: Let’s hope so Chris. We have a lot of great people running this year.

FOWLER: Absolutely right, Coach. For our final pick of the day… the last of the statewides… Secretary of State. A couple of new faces and one very familiar one. Kirk, you have a lot of notes on this.

HERBSTREIT: This is probably the most exciting primary on the ballot. Other than the Gubernatorial and 3rd congressional district, and second congressional district, and 1st congressional district. Ok, this race has been lower profile but these guys are squaring off for an important position and a tough fight with SOS Mike Mauro.

You got it all here folks. George Eichhorn is on the ballot… again… and could have an advantage from running two years ago in the Senate Primary which he lost to Chris Reed. Eichhorn, who’s name I can’t spell even though he has been running for office almost as long as BVP hasn’t raised much money and only has $2600 on hand. I’m not sure what he has been spending it on, but its not gonna be enough.

FOWLER: They’re a little sensitive on the name thing over at Team I-Corn… errr Eichhorn.

HERBSTREIT: Just a little, Chris. Then there’s the kid. Matt Shultz, a 30 year old city councilman from Council Bluffs. Matt has been a solid activist in Western Iowa but new to the scene as a candidate. Shultz hasn’t raised much dough either but taking a peek at his expenditures is interesting. Lots of central committees on there. Whats that mean? This guy is all over the place. We’ve seen him at events all over the state and he is always working the room introducing himself.

Finally, Chris Sanger, Love the enthusiasm. Small business owner and clearly best facial hair on among the down ballot races, but Chris shave the beard and raise your profile a little. Did I mention shave the beard.

CORSO: Love that beard!

BEANO: I love the beard of Chris Sanger, and any man who resembles the Gentleman Ghost at his wedding has Beano intrigued, but beards and top hats don’t always make for a happy boy on Election Day. Speaking of guys named Chris, a Chris I think we can all agree on as being a walking, fornicating, and defecating mad Mo Fo is that Zorich kid from Notre Dame, that man had arms like a Zeus and an mean attitude of waitress that got stiffed her tip by a drunk Freshman at Perkins

[An even more disturbed looked on the faces of Fowler, Herbstreit and Corso]

HERBSTREIT: Um…. Yeah…. This is race between old and new, and while I love George I’m gonna go with the hard working young buck who’s name can be spelled with ease. Coach, why don’t you bring us home on this one.

CORSO: Chris! All I can keep thinking is… Eichhorn and Finkle, Finckle and Eichhorn, Eichhorn is Finkle? Is this the same Eichhorn that was in a statewide primary last cycle? Its déjà vu all over again. Councilman Schultz has a nice web ad out but the problem is… it’s a web ad, old primary voting grandpas and grandmas don’t know how to use those interwebs. I have heard there is a third candidate, Chris Sanger, who? I said Chris Sanger… Sanger? I hardly know her! Sanger’s campaign slogan is “He will vote the way people want” I don’t know about where you come from Beano but in Iowa the Secretary of State doesn’t do much voting. This is a bit of a hat grab situation, like the Senate primary in ’08 most don’t know much about any of them, but when ‘the people vote the way they want’ in this election it is going to be Finkle and Eichhorn this time by a close but comfortable margin over Councilman Schultz.

FOWLER: I guess you could say, beards, the young guy and still can pronounce the name is your takes. Alright, that wraps up for today. Tune in next time as we take on the Congressional races.

Who gets the mascot head?

Alright QCI-ders... Starting to get set built over at Flanagan's. The writers are fine tuning their predicitions...

Getting very exciting around here.

I cannot take credit for the majority of the upcoming QCI Event.. nor are these opinions the same as mine. Just a bunch of political junkies who have some real insight and a whole lotta humor.

The BIG question we are getting via emails and texts is... "Who's going to get the Mascot Head this time?"

It's become a tradition of sorts here. Back when those HD 69 loving crazies went nuts when Erik Helland's head appeared on Corso... then of course the only guy to carry the banner for Rs in '08... Tom Latham. (See epic pics below)....

Who will this years be? Stay thirsty my friends.

Just like we always do this time of year...

It's baaaaaaaack.... What has become one of our most read features here at the World's Crappiest Blog... QCI Gameday presented by Tim Flanagan's Restaurant and Lounge.

This year's seems to be cooking up to be a great one... with as many races going on... it has to be.

The QCI Writing Team is finishing up their predictions and insights... and since this is becoming one of the biggest Primaries we have had in a while... we are making this feature a 3 post event... I know... epic.

I've seen some of the early drafts from the writers... this one is sure to entertain... be insightful... and be completely crappy all at once. Again, epic.

We have tons and tons of coverage to come after the Gameday post event... so stay tuned for that.

Until then... stay thirsty my friends.

QCI GAMEDAY POST IS BACK!!!!

EDITORS NOTE: Are sequels always better than the first? Who knows? But after numerous requests… the QCI Team got together for another Gameday Post. Very special thanks to our writers and pundits that have chimed in. We tried to cover a lot… so it may get a little long… enjoy the ride. Let’s go to the QCI Gameday set presented by Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge.

Crowd: (Cheering and yelling. Numerous signs…)

FOWLER: Hello QCI-ders and welcome back to QCI General Election Gameday presented by Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge. In what is probably the longest election season we have witnessed… in less than 48 hours, the polls will open. No more attack ads, mailers, phone calls and hoodlems stealing your yard signs. To chime in on all of the action with their predictions, with us as always is Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso with their predictions and insight. Fellas, we’re finally here.

HERBSTREIT: Can I be the first to say, thank God this thing is about over. To tell the truth, this is how these elections will be like for the forseeable future. Long… very long. Not feeling great… but we have some bright spots and things to build on. What do you think coach?

CORSO: Kirk! This is THE most hard fought election at all levels. I agree, it’s not looking so good. But you know what fellas? There’s a reason why you strap on the helmet… there’s a reason why you still play your entire schedule… AND there’s a reason why you play the game. I’m fired up! Let’s get to it QCI-ders!

Crowd: HEEEEYYY!!!!!!

FOWLER: Guys, let’s dive right into it. The US Senate Race. Harkin and Reed. With a candidate you guys were high on earlier in the primary. Kirk, what do you think?

HERBSTREIT: I’m a simple man, Chris. So let’s keep it simple. Suits from JC Penny $263. Haircuts from Cost Cutters $34. Embarrassing yourself on Deace, IPTV debate, etc … priceless. Harkin 61, Reed 39.

Crowd: BOOOOO!!!! (hiss) No more Harkin. (Clap, clap. Clap, Clap, Clap)…

HERBSTREIT: Wish I was wrong guys… Coach, am I way off on this?

CORSO: Krik! I agree. Starting off with a snoozer in the U.S. Senate race. Harkin will bank most of his millions for next time around and not run up the score on our pal Chris Reed…we are looking at Tommy going back to his home-front in the Bahamas with a 57-39 victory.

FOWLER: Agreed. Had potential, very disappointing. Over in the First District. Guys… this one looks easy to call. Kirk… Kirk… Kirk! You still withus?

HERBSTREIT: (Yawning) Wake me up when you talk about a serious race Chris. 58-42 Braley.

CORSO: Hey Kirk! 90% of everything is simply showing up… and hopefully, on time. In another napper in the 1st congressional district we have trial lawyer, and unfortunately skilled liberal, Braley over the not always punctual Hartsuch by 18.

FOWLER: You guys are making me sleepy. Let’s change things up and wake up this crowd a bit. And I know the race to do it!

Crowd: 69! (clap, clap) 69! (clap, clap) 69! (clap, clap)

FOWLER: We know our crowd! House district 69 fellas.

Crowd: (building into a riot)

HERBSTREIT: Seriously, do you expect me to call this any other way than … Helland wins with 69%!!!!

Crowd: YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAH!!!!!! 69! 69! 69! 69! 69! (crowd rioting… cops are showing up)

CORSO: We have a real winner in 69! 69! 69! 69! That’s right boys and girls our main man Eric ‘I’m going to the capitol to give those damn tax and spend liberals’ Hell-and! Help take back the majority over some 11th hour loser D by about 30. ERIK HELLAND! 69!

FOWLER: QCI-ders love themselves some Erik Helland. Why fight it? 69! 69! Ha, ha... 69...

Crowd: 69! 69! 69! (the frenzy begins)

FOWLER: Let’s stay in the metro area with the 3rd district race. Guys, how’s GMLB gonna do?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, for once this election, the DMR nailed it. The Admiral Stockdale of Iowa politics… “Who am I? Why am I here…” is ready for his gold watch, a comfy chair and his “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” LifeAlert bracelet; unfortunately, the Iowa voters don’t yet know it. Boswell 59-41. What do you think coach?

CORSO: We have Leonard ‘you have got to go’ Boswell sticking around for only 2 more years in a closer than you would think win over Kim Schmett by 8.

FOWLER: Let’s get back to thinking good thoughts guys. 5th District.

HERBSTREIT: Who cares? The real question is who jumps in the pending nine-way 2010 primary when King runs for Governor after realizing life in a 170-seat GOP House minority really sucks.

CORSO: We’ve never agreed so much Kirk! In the 5th we have Steve Rock Solid need not mention my last name King of the hill in a walk over some other perpetual candidate clown by about 20 or something, does it even matter.

FOWLER: I can’t see so good… is that Chris Berman over there? Coach, you have a nickname for everyone. Speaking of state races. What is turning into a real battle that most aren’t talking about. The race for control of the Iowa House of Representatives.

HERBSTREIT: Will the last remaining business in Iowa, please turnout the lights. The labor goons will be looking for a return on their investment, and Paulie Walnuts and his satin jacket-wearing union brothers won’t be taking “no” for an answer this time. 32-18 in the Senate and 56-44 in the House.

Special mention goes to the House LMF ad team, the Jarad Klein “Bull Ad” and the Art Stead “Good for Flowers, Bad for Iowans” campaign, among others, were a refreshing break from the cookie-cutter campaigns of the past.

CORSO: The libs might be getting a little excited but… not so fast my friends! Because we are planning for a late night at upset central, where House Republicans are taken it back and restoring some fiscal discipline in this state. That’s right - the good guys are going to get to 50-51 seats in the upset of the day!

Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (crowd is back at it again)

HERBSTREIT: You really think so Coach?

CORSO: Yes Kirk! Cookie cutters are good for baking, not taking back the house. I love the way they are apporaching this one… this will be the rally point for Rs in the state. This is the building block for 2010. I’m feeling this one.

FOWLER: Coach you may on to something… there lots of potential from Upset Central. And you heard it here folks. Speaking of potential… another QCI favorite. 3M! Marianette Miller-Meeks.

Crowd: 3M! 3M! 3M! 3M!!!!! (crowd getting it’s mojo back)

HERBSTREIT: Unfortunately for MMM, it all comes down to one M … Money, honey. He had it. She didn’t. Decent candidate, terrible year. Huge Obama straight ticket turnout in the People’s Republic of Iowa City won’t help either. “The Sack” bumbles his way to a second term, 55-45

Crowd: Booooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3M! 3M! 3M!

CORSO: In the up and comer category we have a 2nd congressional district race with some intrigue where Mariannette Miller-Meeks takes on but just can’t quite take out David ‘PAC-man’ Loebsack. But she will make him use his heavy special interest funds and give him a scare in a squeaker… PAC-man pulls it off by 5 or less. We have a great republican in 3M and I hope she considers a career in politics… Republicans and the state will need her.

FOWLER: Guys… I’m going to chime here… I will have to respectfully disagree on this one. I think 3M gets this. We will have to see. Presidential time… something we didn’t make picks on the last show…. For obvious reasons with the primaries. Something tells me you guys aren’t as G$ likes to say, “the pitcher is half full.” Can McCain make yet another comeback?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, I know I’m the snarkiest guy on the set. But I don’t see it. It’s tough beating historical trends… so I’ll let coach take this one.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! Country First! Country First!!!!

CORSO: In the main event as you can hear the crowd behind us getting raucous we have heavy-weight contenders Senator Barack ‘Barry’ Obama and Senator John ‘Maverick’ McCain in a 18 round marathon battle… Obama in a land slide…Not So Fast My Friends! If McCain wins Iowa he will win this election and you can take that to the bank. It will be tough but we need to make it happen.

FOWLER: Wow coach! A call to action! And finally… the mascot pick…

Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! (crowd going into frenzy mode)

FOWLER: Let’s end this show on a great note. The winner of the final pick of the day. The 4th congressional district. The home of G$’s beloved God’s Country Iowa. The numbers have changed in registration. The district spans 3 different area codes. Guys, this one may be a bell weather district for GOP incumbents. Tom Latham and Becky Greenwald.

Crowd: TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! (crowd is loud as hell)

HERBSTREIT: Good ol’ Tom Latham. Is he a solid conservative? YES. Does he fall on the sword and alienate independent voters by shoving social issues down their throats? NO. Does he win elections in a swing district? YES. The GOP pooh-bahs would be well-advised to keep these lessons in mind during the inevitable post-November 4 debate over why the party continually gets its ass kicked.

Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL!

HERBSTREIT: The wind is at Becky’s back, but Tom has taken nothing for granted and smartly voted twice against the bailout. Somebody put the Des Moines Register newsroom on suicide watch as this one is going 54-46 Latham.

Crowd: (riot mode is back) YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!! TL!!!! TL!!!! TL!!!! TL!!!!

FOWLER: Our readers love themselves some TL, don’t they?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, this has been Latham’s best campaign. This will be something for others to look to and build on. Fundamentals are off the charts. Team Latham is on it.

Crowd: TL!!!!! TL!!!!!! TL!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (police and Gameday secrutiy have riot gear on now)

FOWLER: Chris, how about you and I scoot back a bit. The Ole coach has a box here with a mascot head…

HERBSTREIT: The tradition continues. Coach, let’s here it. Do we agree on this one?

CORSO: Kirk and Chris! On a better front we have the 4th congressional district! Where steady as he goes Tom ‘I don’t bail em out’ Latham will stave off ‘Bailout’ Becky Greenhorn. Now QCI, the world’s crappiest blog, has already called this race. WITH NO PRECINCTS REPORTING. The best effort in Iowa right now. Bad environment. Registration against you. And you know what guys?!?!?!! I’m going the extra mile on this one… because the 4th covers a lot of ground. Everyone is talking about the bailout in this race? But just like the OU/Nebraska game Saturday…. This thing ain’t about BAILOUT… it’s a BLOWOUT!!!

(Corso, grabs box under the desk)

CORSO: I’m GOING TOM LATHAM!!!! (slaps the desk, and puts on mascot head)










Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!!!

CORSO: YEAH!!!! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL! TL!!!!!! Let’s hear it!!!!

Crowd: TL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (crowd has gone crazier than you believing Greenwho has a chance)

FOWLER: Love it! That’s it for us. Thanks again for catching QCI Election Gameday presented by Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge. You know what to do QCI-ders… make sure you vote and take 10 people with you! Are we off? Chime in on the comment section.

EDITORS NOTE: The following is a collaboration of thoughts from three anonymous loyal readers of QCI.

Ginormous thanks to the three writers. Seriously you rock.

The following is the transcript of the back and forth. Enjoy the great, but long post.

FOWLER: Welcome QCI-ders to the first ever QCI Primary Gameday presented by Tim Flanagan’s Restaurant and Lounge. Well, we’re here, in less than 12 hours, the polls open. They’ve been to your central committee meetings, they’ve been to your country fairs and parades. Now, it’s your turn to decide. Primary elections kick off tomorrow morning. I’m Chris Fowler, with me as always Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. Gentlemen, welcome.

HERBSTREIT: It’s an electric atmosphere, Chris. All of the hard work. The new faces. The Grizzled grassroots veterans. It’s going to be fun to watch the results tomorrow night. Coach, what do you think?

CORSO: Fellas, it all comes down to this! We have some great races going on… Let’s get to the predictions!

FOWLER: Can’t argue with that Coach, let’s talk about the US Senate Primary. 3 candidates… Steve Rathje, Christopher Reed and George Eichorn. Now Rathje, in this race the longest, has stumbled. That prompted the entry of a Navy vet, who is reminding the activists of a certain Marine from Nora Springs. Christopher Reed has earned the nod of many of the hard core conservative activists… even the one Marine I just mentioned. Then, enter former State Representative George Eichorn, who has been and seems like the answer from the GOP establishment. Kirk, who do you like as a winner in this one and what’s your numbers?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, the real winner in this is Tom Harkin.

Crowd: Boooo!!!! Hiss!!!!

HERBSTREIT: I hate to ruin this show on the first race, but let’s face it. Here’s my question, what’s the over under on the winner of this primary raising $150,000 for the general? Eichorn 55, Rathje 25 and Reed 20.

Crowd Chanting: No More Harkin! (clap clap, clap clap clap) No More Harkin….

FOWLER: Ouch Kirk… Coach, your thoughts?

CORSO: Christopher Reed will win with 38% of the vote. You may have never heard of him but he will be on the ballot and you will know how to pronounce his name. No candidate is all that threatening to Harkin… In fact Harkin will be spending all of his campaign funds on local races. He already is. Just look at his website. The difference in the race tomorrow… Name ID! Nobody has any money but everyone can pronounce Reed. In a generic fight between a Reed an Eichhorn and a Rathje, a Reed wins every time, not by name ID – Name EZ.

Crowd: YEA!!!!! No More Harkin! (clap clap, clap clap clap) No More Harkin….

FOWLER: Interesting picks. I agree with both of you… either Eichorn or Reed, and a steep hill against Harkin. Our next race to preview, the 2nd District GOP Congressional. It’s been intense and fun to watch. The candidates, Miller-Meeks, Teahen… oh and yes Harder. Kirk, where do you see this landing?

HERBSTREIT: Let’s get real Coach, my ears still ringing from Harder screaming "God and Guns" during his Lincoln Day Dinner ramblings. Meeks gives us best shot to put this seat back in GOP column; BUT, with the NRCC in Washington flat broke and nearly three dozen GOP open House seats to defend, she's on her own for fundraising and campaign help ... Good candidate, bad year.

CORSO: Kirk, for once, we’re gonna agree. I believe in 3M! Mariannette Miller-Meeks! BUT, she’ll win in a close one with 41%. Big Mo is on her side and while her numbers are going up the frontrunner and favorite P. Tea is going down. I feel she is a raw talent, but will have the ability to scare Loebsack. Even in the event of a loss look for her political stock to rise and her abilities to improve all the way to November, just as it has through this primary season. I’m going 3M Chris!

Crowd: YEAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! 3-M! 3-M! 3-M….

FOWLER: So 3M is the consensus here. Good to see you two agree, even in a primary. Let’s shift gears here a little. The 3rd District Dem Congressional… Congressman Leonard Boswell and for State Rep and Guv candidate, Ed Fallon. Sparks have been flying and mud a slinging. Who do we like here?

HERBSTREIT: Sparks may have been flying… but that’s it. The Dem establishment saves GMLB… again. Boswell 59 and Fallon 41… my question is how much campaign money did Fallon hold back to ensure he still has a salary post June 3rd?

CORSO: Dems in the 3rd?!?!? WHO CARES! Boswell’s got it. BUT, not so fast my friends, here’s my pander pick of the day! Because I know G$ is reading these answers… I’m going with the other Dem primary. Kevin Miskell will win with 34% because he is from Stanhope, Iowa. G$’s favorite place to eat Watermelon. How’s that for a prediction!

FOWLER: Coach, nothing surprises us anymore. Now… Our final pick of the day… The Race of the Day… On to the Granddaddy of all of the GOP State House races. We go to the northwest part of Polk County. In a house district that makes ole G$ giggle when you say it. House District 69…

Crowd: (going freaking nuts) YEAAAAAH!!!!! 69! 69! 69! 69! 69! (now going into frenzy)

FOWLER: Looks like the race people here on the set have showed up to see. Erik Helland and Al Lorenzen. Young guy running against a basketball star. It’s been getting very heated as of late. Helland is calling himself the REAL Republican in the race… he may have a point… but those blue and green signs are everywhere , especially in the swing area of Johnston. I have heard reports of Lorenzen signs in Ankeny? Kirk what’s your gut?

HERBSTREIT: Chris, this is truly the Granddaddy of the State House races tomorrow. I’m going to sum it up with this… The Walt Tomenga Organization versus the Muscatine Mafia ... to paraphrase Sean Connery from the "Untouchables", “it’s like bringing a knife to a gunfight.” The Vanilla Gorilla should stick to sports.

Crowd: (goes into a bigger frenzy) YEAAAAAAAA! 69! 69! 69! 69!

FOWLER: Ouch Kirk! Ladies and gentlemen, the king of the snarky Mr. Kirk Herbstreit!

Crowd: (even louder) 69!! 69!! 69!! 69!!!

HERBSTREIT: Snarky or not Chris… it’s fundamentals, that’s how you win. Now, I’m going to step away here and let the ole Coach do his thing. Coach, you have a box under the desk here… who is going to win and who’s head do you have in there?

Crowd: (damn near rioting right now) 69!!!! 69!!!! 69!!!! 69!!!!

FOWLER: You just don’t mess with tradition, take it away Coach…

CORSO: House District 69 is THE most exciting races of the day! It will be won by the narrowest of margins 51%! Less than a 2% of the vote will win! Can I get a Recount! A lot of interesting facets to this race but in the end the good people of House District 69… ha ha… 69...

HERBSTREIT: You just couldn’t do it without a chuckle, huh Coach?

CORSO: No I can’t my friend. This is G$’s blog! Shout out G! The good people of HD 69 will go with the legit Republican and have great representation for many years to come. The winner will become a real power player atop Capitol Hill.

(Lee Corso slaps the desk, then grabs mascot head from underneath)

CORSO: I’M GOING WITH ERIK HELLAND!!! HEEYYYYY! ERIK HELLAND!!!

CORSO: YEA!!!!! ERIK HELLAND!!!! 69!!! ERIK HELLAND!!!!!

Crowd: (absolutely f’ing insane) YEAAAAAH!!!!! ERIK HELLAND!!! 69!!!! ERIK HELLAND!!!! 69!!!!!!!

FOWLER: That’s it from here. The results are up to you now. Check in after the polls close! Don’t forget to vote!

QCI's Primary Gameday presented by Tim Flanagan's Restaurant and Lounge is coming up.

Look for predictions, analysis and insight from Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso.

Make your sign, grab your spot, bring your flags... and stay tuned!

Hey QCI-ders… a day before the BIG PRIMARY, GAME DAY is almost here... Be on the lookout tonight or in the morning from predictions from a special Game Day Crew I have assembled. They have written their predictions in the styles of ESPN Game Day. QCI can report, fans of all of the campaigns and issue groups are lining up right now with their clever signs. Do you have a clever sign or slogan? Post it in the comments sections on this post and the Game Day Preview post.

Also, Krusty is serving up a great preview you won’t want to miss.

Stay tuned QCI-ders… or do I dare say, "Not so fast my friend!"