A quick wrap here... and on to the post game show at Flanagan's...

CONGRESSIONALS SPEAK:

2nd District: Miller-Meeks was up first. She was really good. Fiesty and showing why they are called the Bulldogs in Ottumwa. She's tough, had a great message. And reminded the crowd... don't underestimate here. She also had the most people stand and applause. Theahen spoke. Did very well. Good polished speaker. Used one of my favorite movie lines, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore." Had a good reaction from the crowd... although for tonight I give Meeks the edge. Just from my view at table 50.

The other guys with out opponents: Hartsuch spoke... did good... but the real news is, he looks great in a tux. Nice work my man. Then Kim Schmett... best lines of the night I think go to him. 1) Keep it short 2) the first person to actually say a Lincoln quote at the Lincoln Dinner.

Speaking of things said and not said... although referenced... name never used his name... can you guess it? At a Republican Party function, not once were the words George W. Bush uttered. Referenced... but never said.

Now before you all start going Scott McClelland on me... I'm just saying. Kind of a stunner.

Will have some more recaps and thoughts tomorrow... sometime. Until then...

More on Thune...

From guy who would know, he said it... Harkin can be beat. Thoughts QCI-ders? There is a comment section. Use it and abuse it. You know in a snarky fun loving 3rd grader humor sort of way.

Shout out time, It was good to see: All the ole McCainiac... No Surrender, baby. No Surrender. And yes... so you all know, I'm retired. Don't be askin' me krazy questions, with a k.

The Yodas are in the house!

State leadership... the new SCC members... Wanda is here! the Wells'. Roger Hughes and the entire Hamilton County crew.

Miller-Meeks peeps, Teahen peeps, lobbyist peeps...

RPI crew... nice work tonight. Ray Ray Hoffman was here. Good to see you here!

The best Govs ever... Branstad and Ray.

One principle owners of the Barnstormers in the house.

Dr. G in the house. There are many more...

Stay tuned.

Alright, Thune just got done. He's a great speaker and a great advocate for John McCain. Anyone want to start the veep rumor mill? Might be a good one.

OK, there was a typo on the last post... it was chicken with CRAB stuff... not crap. It hit the spot.

More in a sec. Gonna have a quick smoke.

Live from Embassy Suites in tha DSM, it's the Lincoln Dinner y'all.

Quick notes:

3 Senate Candidates speak -

1st was Rathje... tonight we are worthy of listening to him. 2nd Eichcorn - good jokes on getting out tha Tom Tom. He stopped by table 50 to say hey. Way to work it. 3rd - Reed. Good speech... haven't met him yet... but will.

Menu - Chicken with Crap stuff. The 'Taters were really good.

Alright, I got more later... Thune's on.

Will have recaps and such tomorrow and through out the weekend.

Sidenote... the dinner seems to be running on time. Nice work DK!