Weekend Update....

OK... so for a first time in a long team here at the ole QCI Headquarters, we enjoyed a lazy day of football... tweets... and chirping about. So que the music. Let's get to the awesome that is the QCI Weekend Update....

THE IOWA HAWKEYES - If I refer to the Hawkeyes as that "on again off again chick you break up with, yet hook up again the very next weekend"... then this was one of those disaster dates. The kind that ends up with you getting kicked in the nads. Yeah. That great. I don't think I've seen this many cuss word texted to my phone within in 5 minutes of the ending of this disaster. I believe I saw a few new ones... of which I won't list any them. Because, we try to keep this blog at least PG13. Someone get me and all the other Iowa fans some ice packets for our collective junk.

POLITICAL GOSSIP AT THE SPEED OF TWITTER - So word in Twittersburgh today was that State Senator Wally Horn from out in Eastern Iowa is gonna run for Majority Leader. That would end the term of Governor Mike Gronstal for sure. After that thing got retweeted say, 20 times, five of loyal QCI-ders alerted us that he's running for Assistant Leader. Which one is it then? Does it rally matter? Awe yes... to paraphrase Rick James, Twitter is a hell of a drug.

IOWA NATIONAL GUARD TAKES CARE OF BIDNESS - So was listening to this story over the news breaks today during football... Turns out some of the good guys were out on a mission in Afghanistan when the bad guys showed up. it was great to hear that the Iowa Guard "took care of the situation". No one harmed... except the ones who needed to be harmed. And they took into custody one of the Taliban. Keep kicking ass and get home safe soon, dear heroes.

THE ELECTION IS OVER, RIGHT? Hey, I don't like Leonard Boswell as much as the next guy... but I think you can cancel the "retire Boswell" Facebook ads.

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION - Speaking of these Book of Faces you speak of. How about giving a "like" to the World's Crappiest Blog? Click here... spread some love and make your news feed full of the awesome.

AND FINALLY... Your weekend tunes... Stay thirsty friends....

Weekend Update

Oh look I busted out the ole header... (one of my favorites)... Let's do this... que the music...

We are now officially in Epic Fall... The Hawkeyes putting a Hayden Fry whooping on Saturday and the NFL has started. Pardon me for the smile from ear to ear. Also... are you ready for a for a big week politically? Holy smokes. Let's do a random rundown.

HARKIN STEAK FRY - We start the week with Harkin's annual shindig. Axelrod and some other dude were talking today. But the news out of Indianola is... Culver/Judge aren't sorry at all for their record. I think. Earlier we were told by Governor Culver that he has made mistakes... and we were spinned this apology thing all week. Now... Patty Judge just said, "I make no apologies for our record." Really?
SPEAKING OF THEIR AD - So... the thing is called "Give Us A Chance" or something like that. Hmmm.... Imma gonna go Philly 2000 style on you Governor Culver... "You had your chance, you did not lead, we will." Also Gov, not sure I wanna remind voters that you "grown with the job" when your opponent is... you know... a guy who... ya know... did it for 16 years...
CULVER COMEBACK? Yeah right... If you read the DMR this morning they are ready waiting and hoping to write this story. The "turning point for Culver" they are saying. Child please. When he let the Branstad campaign go the entire summer going unanswered. That's where he lost this. Plus... he's gonna win on stem cells? Really? you know you're in trouble when you touting issues that basically shore up you base... doing this after Labor Day seems right... um, no it doesn't.
SENSITIVE MUCH - So I'm a little late to the party on this one... but after the "Big Bad Debt" ad... Culver's first thing is to challenge TEB for a triathlon? Really? Listen, I'm not even one f the types who say they whole "Chet is fat" bit. It doesn nothing for the debate... and it's stupid. Just ask Gov Christie about it when he's here soon. But the thing that got me... is that was the first thing Team Culver went with... what's next? Claiming there's floating crosses in TEB's ads? Arm wrestling matches? Alright... if we're gonna go with this... and this is what the campaign is really about.... I'm challenging Governor Culver to a grilled cheese eating contest. Because that's what the folks in the unemployment line in this state really want... oh wait.
DEBATE - So... the expectation game is building... I mentioned the DMR thing already... this is gonna be high noon for Culver... if he even had one left. From emails forwarded to QCI HQ points to all signs they're going all out to pack the place.
PALIN IN TOWN - Iowa becomes a part of the circus again... with Sarah Palin coming for the Reagan Dinner. Lots of national types will be coming to cover this one. Of course... we'l be there to take in the things... can you say Live Tweet? Oh yeah. Should be epic.

AND FINALLY... I got more coming this week. Until then... here's a happy little catchy tune. Stay thirsty my friends.

Weekend Update... That blasted Harrison ERR Cliff Barnes....

Crank the Tears for Fears because we’re rolling out a Weekend Update. As we know… everybody wants to rule the World… So let’s get to some updates.. random as always…

DID MCKINLEY JUST CALL THE CULVER ADMINISTRATION STUPID? Um. He just might have… Per spam from the Paulster here... Whoah, I get guess he did.
OH HELL YES!!! So we gets ourselves a down ticket statewide primary. Not that we aren’t disappointed with the field… but now since Eichhorn has jumped in… and possibly Pate… We get to bust out Ace Ventura pics again… FInkle and Eichhorn… Eichhorn or Finkle!!?!?!
GMLB ON TV – Weird… we thought we saw ole GMLB up on the air the other night… but it was just some lobby group trying to get you to call him and say thanks for some thing they spend a lot of money to pass. So.. yeah thanks GMLB… for uh.. never mind.
SEPAKING OF GAYS – So Joy Corning is making phone calls… telling peeps to support Gay Marriage. Wonder if GMLB got himself a call. Loves himself some gay marriage.
THEN THE SHIT STORM – Now the ICA and IFPC are getting all huffy and puffy. Got spammed by the ICA peeps and Hurla Hurley (our new nickname) sent out thingers… Not sure if there’s a crowd of folks assembled outsode of the TEB HQ with torches and pitch forks… but I’d be on the look out.
WHICH IS ALL GOOD RIGHT? So… now the focus in the GOP Primary is all gays all the time… and peeps on Fleur Drive and Terrace Hill are smirking… because everyone has stopped talking about the mismanagement of the Big Lug.
HARRISON BARNES TO UNC – Yeah… not a shocker. Oh come Iowa Staters…did you really think you were going to get him? Child please, I have a better shot of Elizabeth Shue stopping to see me at Vets Auditorium over lunch hour for a Nooner… yeah… never was or never will happen.
HUHUHU HUGE TAKE FROM THE TWITTER - #goojoboutyou to one of our favorite peeps John Gilliland over at ABI for when he Tweeted: “YIKES - if Braley is right and Congress passes public option in health care IA's 60,000 insurance jobs @ risk.”
RAIDER WEEK – Raider week!!!! Actually feeling good about this one. Methinks that we actually got a shot being Larry-less for a week. BTW… good luck to you sirs who pick him up on wavers… #horriblejoboutofyou
EPIC BOOK UPDATE – Yeah this thing is getting off the chain. Basically this book is gonna take all of the coolest things there are… and smoosh them together. Epic.

AND FINALLY… Over at QCI HQ… we’re beginning to become real big fans of the Jimmy Fallon Show… basically because of the Roots… Last night they slow jammed the news… we’re totally doing that soon… so stay thirsty friends… and crank up… Oh… and that’s the news and I am out of here…

Weekend Update: Who's feeling good? We should be...

Alright QCI-ders… a quick weekend update. Subject you ask? Message… and why we’re winning the battle currently. We started the week with the launch of 2 great new resources for politics. First, we covered the Bean Walker Launch Monday. What a great crowd…. but it gets better, the B-Dub (our new nickname for the site) already made news with a siren on the first day. Their getting tons of hits… how do we know? Because you all are coming here from the site… This is thing is an instant game changer. Great work out of you B-Dub.

Next, you get the New York Yankees of the rightosphere… the Iowa Republican. C-Raig has managed to get the key players in the LBC to his line up… he’s like the Jerry Jones now with Krusty, Battleground (and our favorite QCI Smoker Hating Emily) and Constitutional Daily. And like the B-Dub, is making an instant impact on the echo chamber in Iowa.

But in a way not to sound like a homer… the REAL story is the Republicans in Iowa. Namely, the new leadership at RPI and the Good Guys up at the Capitol… I’ve only been in this stuff for… like 10 years and I have never, never seen a well oiled machine when it comes to message. Am I still sounding like a homer? You need some proof… look at the last couple of weeks… prevailing wage? How’d that go… Phones were lighting up… Twitter was exploding… emails getting pushed out… this is how you do it QCI-ders… throw in the rightosphere… activist involvement… and BA-DOW!!!!!!!

Oh and that stupid ass Electoral College bill? Dead. Buzz killed. Even Big Lug and Sec. Mauro said, um… you guys aren’t thinking this through.

QCI Correspondents are emailing me with reports of meetings across the state… Republicans are getting a little pumped up. Their feeling it… and THEY ARE HUNGRY. We have tons to be excited about…

So yea… as a party in the state… you have to be feeling good…. damn good. But there’s no time to be perfecting you endzone dances yet… there’s a lot to do… tons of work… and bigger battles to come… so you gotta focused, keep participating… we’re not going to win every battle… but we are starting a base and a platform to launch a great comeback… a comeback that the pundits STILL don’t believe we are capable of.

I know it’s easy to get caught up in the national stuff… all important too. But I think if we’re keeping our nose to the grind here… and keep at it… look out.

Now… if we could get consensus on a Governor candidate… awesome… but, alas… nothings perfect.

WU: Feelin' Kinda Sunday...

Alright... "Because I'm feelin' kinda Sunday... Sunday... Feelin' kinda Sunday... Sunday..." Come on everyone sing along!

Awe yea... just a great tune... So... has anything changed? Nope... Does this mean we won't be able get random? Awe hell no. We's still gots some stuff... So let's get to it.
RANTS N' RAVES - Yea man... we gotta give some props to our main man Chrsitorpher Rants. His blog has provided some keen insight and helped connect the stories together from an insider prospective. And not to get all corny on you... but anyone else think his updates are like those letters you read from the Civil War? You know... like that's how you got reports from the front line? I think so anyway... good job out of him.
TWITTER ME THIS - So yea... I am going to say it... a good byproduct of this Weekend Long Temper Tandrum will be that GOP activists will get to know the coolness and cool ways to utilize Twitter. For real... it takes a little time to figure it out... then when you do... its pretty cool. If you are just a news junkie in general... you'll love Twitter. You can follow you favorite reporters, sports teams... even Darth Vader! (he's @darthvader)... so yea... out of a stupid stupid weekend, gives you good stuff.
SPEAKING OF THIS STUPID THING - So here's a quick wrap from last night... of course this is recovered from accounts from the millions of sources at the disposal of the World's Crappiest Blog... enjoy:
"Dude... you got a spitter?" "Nah man... all I gots is this cup." "Cool, that'll work." Now this isn't an official transcript... but you might guess this was a paraphrased discussion from some dorm floor... um nope, so around 11:37pm last night the "substitute speaker" was getting his chew on... no worries... he had a spitter... so its all good. You know... because aren't state buildings supposed to tobacco free? Don't get any on that new carpet... oh here we go again...
Machine Shuts Down a 2nd Time - I thought the crap in Palm Beach County was Crazy... yea.. the voting machine shut down AGAIN about 5 hours ago. Come Mr. Speaker... 1 time is cool... but twice?
Traditional Media... so if you caught the news last night... they did alright... there's no outrage... why would we think there would be? Anyhoop, checking out the DM Register... and was happy to find that this story is in the Metro section... second page! and not on the front page... Yea... wouldn't want it on the front... because... nothing else is going on... the Meatheads ae in town... but nope nothing else... it was like they were waiting for Shawn Johnson to sneeze... but she didn't, so there wasn't much else to put on the front page... sigh...
College Republicans Rule! So the ISU CRs delivered more goods... man... good job out of you kids.
So there you have it... that's all that's up now.
MY MAN MITCH - Oh hell yea... one of my favorite Governors, Mitch Daniels, was on Face the Nation this morning. Dudes... if you only knew of the things he's doing in Indiana... man... Iowa GOP Gov Candidates, please take careful notes on this guy. Not only is he a true reformer... he's a Governor that makes his state proud... just ask any Hoosier... you'll prolly get a decent review out of them... go to mymanmitch.com for all of the stuff he's up to...
We ain't done yet... stay tuned.

WU: Still Here... And Get This...

**Updated ... again @ 11:22

...there is still not a 51st vote. Nice work out of everyone... especially the House GOP... for real... if we ever pulled something like this back in the day... the other side would still be talking about it in campaign mail pieces...

We are now experiencing what will be known as the "World's Longest Pissing Match in Statehouse History"... Not sure who is competing...the egos of the House Majority or something else? Hmm... tough call. All we know is... the longer the wait... the dumber this looks.

Anyways... big ups for the good guys who are filling in on shifts... like Chris Hagenow right now... he's on Twitter... follow him on @ChrisHagenow.

Some quick random thoughts and randomness here before... we, here at QCI HQ get to shut down...

SO IS THIS GOING TO BE THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME? Meaning... are going to see this crazy game of grab ass everytime the Majority can't get the votes on issues that they must have signed contracts in blood? Makes for fun drama and media... but makes you puke that all you have to do is put on a weekend long pitty party because your prom date didn't show up... um because... they weren't going with you to the prom anyway.
I'M IMPRESSED - Yea... how good is the new leadership in the Minority? Man... I mean... not only just this whole train wreck that's going on... but things in general... good job out of you...

SMALL SCHOOLS RULE... Yea... you heard that right Senator McCoy... So.. got to catch a little 13 tonight... Yea... gonna scale back your idea on the School plan? How about talking about things you know about Senator... like as in... not small schools... yea... this isn't the last we'll post on this...

**OUR BAD... So yea... Rep. Linda Upmeyer is at the Capitol too... no disrespect at all maam... although... get this... quick QCI Fact! Did you know that Rep. Upmeyer was in the same Art History Class at NIACC back in the day with the editor of the World's Crappiest Blog? Yup... as Adrianne always sez... "True Story..."

Wii BOWLING - Man... I really suck at this game... yup... up in God's Country, Iowa this weekend celebrating my Pop's Birthday... a little beer... a little prime rib... a little 93.3 KIOA... and whole lots of a little getting my ass kicked in Wii Bowling!!!! And... MY SISTER is beating me! (although I suspect... she's palyed this before...) DAMN IT! Anyways... good times... it's a lot of fun... gotta roll back... I think we know the song on Dick Bartley's Solid Gold's greatest hits... what's the number again? Oh yea... 1 - 8 8 8 - 222 - 1965!

More to come... stay tuned...

WU: What We Know Now...

Alright QCI-ders... let's get you updated... get random... and let you know what's going down... QCI has its ears to the ground... as well as does the rest of the LBC... So let's try to get you up to date and give you some tips.... This is collected from around the LBC and other sources... if I'm missing some stuff... feel free to add it in the comment section.
VOTING STILL GOING - Now you all know the machine shut down, per the last update... they just opened it again and plugged in the votes... so... there are some wiery warriors from the good guys' side standing watch...Our Homeboy Erik Helland is standing watch now...
NOTHING SAYS LOVE THAN FOOD - So yea... Helland is there now... we can report that the ISU College Republicans are bring down care packages... food and goodies... which you should all do the same. Check down and see who's there... and order them some pizzas... time for you chruch ladies to send some caseroles! For real... they are standing guard... hook them up... if you House Peeps have any requests... let us know... we'll post what you need. Or if you are running arrands... pick up some Red Bull... pick up some coffees... they're gonna need it.
LARRY MAREK - Wow... this guy is the buzz of the week... QCI can confirm that there were a lot of out of stateplates (Illinois for the most part) of "interested" parties who wanted to voice their opinions at his forums this morning... but get this... MAREK IS STANDING FIRM AND TOLD HIS PEEPS... HIS VOTE IS STILL NO. From a source: "Larry Marek just pledged at a public form less than 5 minutes ago that he will not switch his vote.

You should drop a line as well as the others... tell them to stand firm, and don't forget to thank them:

mckinley.bailey@legis.state.ia.us - doris.kelly@legis.state.ia.us - LARRY.MAREK@LEGIS.STATE.IA.US - dolores.mertz@legis.state.ia.us - brian.quirk@legis.state.ia.us and one who is a vote no yet to vote - geri.huser.legis.state.ia.us
ROLLLING JUST LIKE INDIANA JONES - Hu Hu Hu Huge Props to McKinley Bailey (represents Stanhope). When push came to shove... he knew what to do... here's a recap from Rant's n Raves last night:
Ok, follow along as best as you can. After five and a half hours of debate, the voting machine opened. Right off the bat Democrats Bailey, Kelley, Marek, Mertz and Quirk vote "no." Bailey was out of the chamber before his light had turned red.

QCI can report that there was a car running out side of the Capitol waiting for him... kind of like trying to avoid the huge boulder rolling down the cave that is the House Leadership... dude... nice move...

CALL THE SPEAKER AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH:
If you haven't already... call 515-281-5566. Tell him... even the machine itself said enough is enough...
That's all we got now... keep it going... did I miss anything? Use and abuse the comment section this week. Wow... somewhere the West Wing writers are taking notes for a hot new drama...

TWITTER - Some of you have emailed for instant updates... my best advice is get on Twitter... start up an account and follow some of the good guys on mine... @grantyoung72 Seriously... you'll get the scoop faster than the blogs and reporters.

More updates to come... Woot!

WU: Prevailing Wage Vote, Live Updates... Hit Refresh All Weekend....

BREAKING... 11:28AM 2.21.09

Man vs. Machine: House Republicans win another round

(DES MOINES) – Long after last night’s vote on the prevailing wage bill, the legislative vote machine timed out this morning, clearing the whole electronic voting board in the Iowa House of Representatives.
Democratic leadership was forced to re-enter the votes manually, re-opening the machine, which clearly was not constructed with the intention of staying open so long. Typically, the machine is closed immediately following a vote. House Speaker Pat Murphy, however, has kept the machine open, hoping someone will switch from a “no” vote.
“House Republicans continue to remain vigilant in this chamber, even if we outlast the voting machine itself,” said House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen. “Republicans believe this bill was rightly defeated, Iowa taxpayers agree, and now even the machine has said ‘enough.’ We hope the speaker will do the right thing, shut down voting and allow us to focus on other things – like how to revive Iowa’s economy, how to create new jobs and how to fix the state’s budget deficit.”
# # #

Hey QCI-ders... you have all heard about what's going down up at the Capitol... Wow... Holy freaking crap... whoah... stay tuned here... we will post updates via the Weekend Update... until now... here's a cool shot from the dome... at of 11:34pm Friday, February 20th... this is the score. (Click on the picture for a larger view)

Weekend Update with Grant Young

Woo whoo! Start the Music... Long time since we brought out that graphic. You know QCI-ders, we’re proud El Camino Republicans… but I think you could consider us Dennis Miller Republicans as well. We love every single one of the “Rants” books… completely awesome Christmas gifts for the QCI-der on your list. Anyhow… we’re bringing sexy back to QCI with the Weekend Update… bring on the randomnous!

KRUSTY WORKS WEEKENDS? He has a little diddy about the Harkin crew and Conoco. Seriously though… decent read, but the real buzz is that Hershel is working weekends.
GRASSLEY IN TROUBLE? Hardly… so this Research 2000 poll is out. Seriously, not gonna beat Grassley. I don’t care what you got. Only if Jarad Allen was running against Grassley… then I would be nervous. Because who could deny that awesome hair… seriously… from the ESPN SportsNation Chat the other day… here’s what Allen had to say:

Sean (Philly): Jared, what is up with the Mullet?

Jared Allen: Oh, you shouldn't even have to ask. It's probably the greatest haircut in American history, so I rocked it.

Other than Jarad Allen entering the race… QCI, with no precincts reporting, and 2 years away… has called the race… Chuck Grassley has been re-elected to the United States Senate. How’s that?
IT’S REALLY REALLY A HAWKEYE STATE – Damn y’all… who knew the Hawks were good? Great win. That pretty much gets us the HyVee CyHawk Trophy, right?
SPEAKING OF THAT SCHOOL IN LAMES er AMES – Our favorite Iowa Stater is back!!!!!! (I know a little late on this) but Cyclone Conservatives is back with a post… but word around the street is that h’s not gonna last long. So here’s the deal… QCI-ders… email Don and tell him he should stick with it. Make him cave to the pressure.
DAMN MAN… DAMN IT – So the Bearcats lost. That sucks. Oh well… great team to watch. Not bad for a senior class who has been to the National Title game all 4 years of their career. Who’s in for a Maryville road trip to check out one of their games? Seriously, never had a bad time down there.
CHIZIK TO AUBURN???? – Seriously… I’m even with you ‘Clone fans when we all say a huge, WTF. Seriously. Wow. Somewhere in the ISU Athletic Department HQ, things are being broken and trown against the wall.
STATE CHAIR RACE – So Hereshel had his breakdown the other day. The only buzz QCI can report, is the chatter in comment sections around the Rightosphere and one of the candidates blogs. Also, looks like Matt Strawn is taking his show on the road… per an email sent to the bloggers. Other than all that. There’s not much else out there.
HAWKEYE AWESOMENESS FACT OF THE DAY – So FITSNews… what you guys play when you win a game? Don’t plan on playing it… plan on getting know this song… BTW, in heaven there is no beer, because the Hawk fans drank it here.

QCI FACEBOOK STATUS OF THE WEEKEND
“So and so… is excited for Turducken tonight!”

Hell yes. Me too!

AND FINALLY… We are busting out another OJ Simpson, a guilty pleasure. Seriously dudes… CRANK. THIS. UP!!!!!!!!

Another great one… since I’m moving this weekend.



Yup it’s a moving weekend for me. So, unless it’s on the radio or can easily be accessed on my Blackberry… gonna kind of be out of the loop. So, let’s try an experiment… here’s a handful of randomnous… chime in from time to time this weekend. Give you takes, your reports, snarky smart ass quips… and insight that you QCI-ders do so well.

DENVER WAS NO BEIJING – But, the Dems will try to spin it. Sorry guys, the Birds Nest was much more cool… but coincidentally… just might be as socialist.

Oh, and Obama people… Bush Cheney 2004 called, they want their rope line music back…

COLLEGE FOOTBALL – Cyclones off to a good start last night… as they should of. ‘Clone fans… how’s Thursday night football? Pros? Cons? And to my fellow Hawkeyes… what’s your take on this year? All will be good in the world when I hear Gary Dolphin’s voice at 9:00am tomorrow… then I know… the college football season is here. GO HAWKS!

VEEPSTAKES – OK… I’ve totally caved into the veep stuff. It happens every time. Dark horses are coming out of the woodwork. Who’s it gonna be? At the time of posting... Palin is the talk... thoughts? Once we get the confimed pick… what do you think?

Chew on that for a while… ‘cause that’s all I got. Even though it’s a union holiday… have a great and safe Labor Day weekend…

Central Iowa is having dry weather.. for now...

LAST CHANCE FOR THE U of I - The Register has the run down on the serious threat to University of Iowa campus. The line of the day is, "This is our last effort." Which leaves QCI speechless and devistated.

DSM HANGING IN THERE - Officials are optimistic late last night in Des Moines... but alas, the levee on the Northside broke today.

Weekend Update is coming to you live from Jewell at Jewell Jubilee. I can report it has beautiful weather fro the annual event. 2 Feet Deep rocked on Main Street and the fireworks were great. Morning started with the parade of which QCI was honored to drive the 1964 Buik LeSabre for a 2nd year! Threw tons of candy...
Weekend Update is passing along some more scoop courtesy of Don Rachter and the Wednesday Group. If you haven't been, you should consider. It's a great meeting and you will get a good low down on what's going on with the movement. Want more information? Email Dr. Rachter at racheter@limitedgovernment.org.

ICA REPORT - Eagle Forum Founder Phyllis Schlafy will be in Iowa for two Iowa Christian Alliance House Parties. The eighth annual Friends of the Family Banquet will be held on Saturday October 4th with reception at 5 and dinner at 6. Keynote speaker is David Limbaugh, and Congressman Steve King will be the MC. Which means, Steve will be calling you soon.

RNC CANDIDATES REPORT - Sanday Greiner and Kim Lehman were there as candidates for Committeewomen. Scheffler is running for Committeeman

2ND AMENDMENT REPORT - The Iowa Sportsman’s Federation and the National Rifle Association will have a joint booth at the Republican State Convention. The “shall issue” law introduced by Clel Baudler never gained support in the D-controlled General Assembly. Given the humid weather we have been having, be sure your guns are clean, lubed, and coated with a rust protectorant.

PEI REPORT - There is still time to register and attend the Professional Educators of Iowa Annual Meeting which will focus on classroom management and which can be taken for continuing education credit. Victor McGuire, National Director of the Association of Beginning Teachers will be the featured speaker. For more information see www.peiowa.org

DR. RACHTER'S REPORT - The Public Interest Institute BRIEFS for June are “The Burden of Government” by Amy Frantz, “The Declining State of Higher Education” by John Hendrickson, and “A Healthcare Prescription for Iowa” by Jon Miltimore. The Institute’s quarterly for June, LIMITS, features two articles by Hendrickson “Tax Freedom Day: A Call for Tax Reform” and “Using Federalism to Reform Education: Reagan Style” as well as “Some Major Threats to Limited Government” by William Niskanen and “A Former NRA President’s Tribute to Charlton Heston” by Sandy Froman. For more information, go to www.limitedgovernment.org . Materials from Concerned Educators Against Forced Unionism were distributed by the Moderator. If you would like copies, contact him. Next meeting will be Wednesday, July 9th.

APC REPORT - American Property Coalition addressed the group about the threat to private property, our liberties, and the pursuit of happiness contained in the so-called “Clean Water Restoration Act” which is being pushed by Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar. The bill would substitute “waters of the United States” for “Navigable waters” in the 1972 Clean Water Act which would then give the feds the power to regulate wetlands, mudflats, sand flats, sloughs, intermittent steams, ponds, prairie potholes, and meadows. It would also insert the phrase “activities affecting these waters” making it a national land control bill and would overturn two recent US Supreme Court decisions in favor of land owners against federal regulators (SWANCC and Rapanos). Iowa Congressmen Boswell and Braley are on the committee with jurisdiction, so anything you can do to persuade them not to vote for this power grab would be most appreciated. Many groups on our team such as NTU, ATR, IFB, AFP, and NAM are opposed to this bill. For more information go to: http://www.americanpropertycoalition.org/

And to continue the tribute to Russert this weekend, we'll sign off with, Go Barnstormers, Beat Tulsa!

A little Weekend Update for all of you BBQing and relaxing for your extended holiday weekend. Now, one of my favorite past times on Memorial Day Weekend is checking out the Indy 500. Some of you may know I spent a short stint in Indianapolis… never caught the 500, but moved in on that weekend.

At first glance when I moved, I went through Speedway, Indiana (where the track is located on the NW side of town). It seemed like there were like a million liquor stores around the track area. I’m thinking, man this must be a rough part of town. I was quickly corrected by the locals when they told me, “Dude, they make their money 4 weekends during the year. You can bring beer/drinky drinks into the Speedway with a certain size of cooler. It’s a blue collar area. It just gets a little wild during race weekends.” Word.

As you know there are some really serious racing fans out there. It’s dang near a religion. But just about 50% of anyone who goes to a race whether it be NASCAR, Knoxville, or the NHRA… they go to watch the wrecks. For some reason this weekend, there are a couple of disasters in federal election races.

CRASH IN TURN 2 – EASTERN IOWA CONGRESSIONAL SPEEDWAY – Krusty (who is in well mid season form BTW) is reporting on the wreck in the 2nd District Republican Primary. It seems as though Miller-Meeks has perfected the art of “political drafting” (a little shout out for you NASCAR crazies) while Teahan’s pit crew is having some serious issues with his tires. He’s losing some serious traction. This one looks like it could go into the final lap of the race, and if he isn’t carefull, Miller-Meeks is going to throw him in the wall and cruise to victory under a yellow caution.

LARGE CRASH – SOUTH DAKOTA INTERNATIONAL DRAG STRIP - Are you freaking kidding me? The comment (wreck) that is being heard around the world… enter driver Hillary Clinton in the 08 Ford Pinto. Busting out a RFK reference to Obama for her reason for staying in? This comment after the buzz that QCI is picking up that a Obama/Clinton ticket is already in the talks. Watch Insiders tomorrow to see what I mean. That has to have been turned into another wreck that everyone will surely be watching… Memorial Day Weekend or not.

Let’s see here. There’s not much buzz going on out there… the Districts have come and gone. We have a new State Central Committee and the weather is showing some signs of summer… all is good in the Republic today. So in honor of a bunch of my old NIACC buddies I ran into at the tailgate yesterday, I busted out the old Goose. Choose NIC-NAC Thirst! Oh the old days… great to see you dudes… when the party at Pink Apartments this week?

APPROACHING 6,000 HITS – Again, thanks to all who are dropping by and hitting me upside the head when have a lack of posts. When I first started this thing, I figured… “Is anyone really gonna ready this thing.” You are and I annoy my loyalist of readers when I slack off for a few days (or a week). Got some good advice from some media types and bloggers on how to get a little better at this. If I’m not posting THE hottest scoop of the day… rest assure I will amaze you with my better than average wit, charm and some random ass movie that I know by heart. And no more Jared Allen posts, because I’m over him.

CAMPAIGN PEEPS – I’m talking to you. Many campaigns in the state are embracing “new media” and have added me to their press release lists. Keep ‘em coming. When it comes to the spin of the day, I’ll give you my guarantee that I firm but I’m fair… if I’m not posting your stuff here, there are 3 situations why: 1) someone else posted on it all ready 2) you sent me a release from Captain Obvious (ie: FLASH – The Sun Also Rises in the East) or 3) you can call it triple A grade laziness. So for you loser campaigns out there (loser meaning, you don’t want your stuff on the world’s crappiest blog?) add grantyoung72@hotmail.com to your press list.

FALLON V. BOSWELL – This is a hell of a race to watch… because it’s getting nasty and hotly competitive. I mean. Ole GMLB has his peeps out there hitting the streets. Fallon has a great hard core base from his Gov run. Oh and in case you missed it, Fallon won the entire 3rd District in that campaign. From my view in the nose bleeds, it looks like Fallon has attracted a lot of folks from the Obama organization.

I don’t know if I have mentioned this before, but have seen some of the franked mail coming out of Boswell’s official office? Environmental pieces? For real? Must be nice to run a campaign at taxpayers’ expense. Stay tuned to this one QCI-ders.

MAC BACK IN DES MOINES – Yea, I know this is completely late to talk about, but I just wanted to give a shout out to all my peeps at Team Straight Talk. Great to see all of weary warriors and volunteers who didn’t surrender during the dark days of late summer. Your dedication and enthusiasm paid off… now, let’s put him in the White House.

WHERE THE HELL IS SKANKS? Now that Krusty is back... where is the complete set of Krustacians? Yoda is always in the house. Cedar is always bringing the east coast party, 'cause the east coast party don't stop. But, where is that hilarious poster who had the handle called "Skanks for the Memories." Damn that was some hilarious stuff. Skanks- I'm calling you out you dirty SOB. I know you're all out there... need a place to go? Stop at QCI!

ANYTHING WITH JIMMY PAGE EQUALS DAMN GOOD – Yea, even the one he did with P. Diddy. But to get you on your lazy Sunday or Monday Morning reads… here’s a great one with Page and the Black Crowes doing “Ten Years Gone.”

Is it me or is this a great weekend? I know I’m having a great one. After the misery of the Allen trade… (of which I am completely over now… no seriously, I am) it’s been one hell of a weekend. Chiefs had a great draft, the Well was rockin’, and hopefully… good weather is trying to make a fighting comeback.

In other news… QCI is approaching 5000 hits… do I dare say, WOOT!

Here’s a little somethin’ somethin’ for you to tie you over for a good lazy Sunday or an unproductive Monday morning, whichever comes first.

MAC IS BACK… IN IOWA! Presumptive Republican Nominee John McCain (ah… doesn’t it feel great to say it) is returning to the Hawkeye State this week. This visit back to Iowa may start to silence the nay sayers who say Iowa isn’t a battleground this year. Beaumont at the DMR has a brief story on the visit with some insight from McCain State Chair Dave Roederer. Of which totally rules by the way. WAR DAVE!

Also, most of the weary warriors of McCain Team Iowa are back in the state for the trip and starting to organize. Great to see the crew here in town! Missed a quick reunion at the unofficial Team McCain HQ, Victor’s Sports Club. But is it a true reunion there without Seaton munching on his usual chicken taco salad? I’ll say the jury is out on that one… BTW, you want to catch pretty much any baseball game… Vic’s is a great joint to hit. Good food and cold beverages a plenty.

SESSION IS DONE (WOOT!) - Well they finally wrapped up stuff in the golden dome Friday… ER… Saturday Morning! At 3:00 AM?!?!? Damn man. Hats off to all of the staffers, clerks and legislators for the good guys running their annual end of session marathon… Now, rest up a bit… and let’s go get that majority back!

RIDDLE ME THIS KRUSTY (? ? ? ?) – So everyone’s favorite blogging klown is sluggishly making a comeback to Iowa blogosphere. The question on some hacks minds is, will he actually write something? Sure he’s posted some great ole Reagan ads and a pretty hilarious top 10 by the Mittster… but will he jot down some thoughts? Hershel added a link to the world’s crappiest blog that is Questions, Comment and Insults as well. Thanks dogg.

So riddle me the Krusty (not so much a riddle)… I’m not interested in kracking the Krusty kode… because I’m so over that. That’s so 2002… and Nickleback has truely run its course. So when are you going to chime in? When will we be able to watch a post go over 100 comments? What do you have in the oven for your Krusty Kasserole? When will we see a Friday Haiku post? So many questions for you Krusty… but will you answer?

***UPDATED 3:46PM!!!!!!! WOOT!!!!

So... QCI-ders… “Hey yo.” (Don't ask questions of why I have Scott Hall here to lead off, just go with it.) I’m back after a busy week and a big W on Saturday Night. Speaking of fast action on Saturday, it was District Convention Day.

SCC GAME DAY - Although, we’ve talked and speculated on who’s running… Battleground Iowa ended up with a great preview. Now that the dust has settled, your Weekend Update brings you the abbreviated the box scores of your brand new State Central Committee (SCC). Why abbreviated? Because none of you are answering my phone calls because you are out in your backyard drinking beer and grilling. As you should… it’s pretty f’ing aye John Deere right nice outside. So I need your help in filling in the blanks!!! Help a brotha out!

1st DISTRICT: John Hulsizer (Dubuque), ????????? (????) and ???????? (????)
John came into the race late. Great activist will serve the committee well. Who were the others?

2nd DISTRICT: ??????????? (????), ????????? (????) and ??????? (????)
Have nothing… apparently, many of you tailgated too much at the Spring Game in Iowa City this weekend. (or still tailgating) After sitting through a platform discussion a time or 2, I don’t blame you. Plus, word on the street was that the 2nd was going to be a true Thrilla in Manilla.

2nd DISTRICT - UPDATE: Lisa Smith (Wapello), David Chung (Linn), and Jason Hutcheson (Louisa)

...DEVELOPING...

3rd DISTRICT: Steve Scheffler (Polk), Gopal Krishna (Polk) and Eldon Pals (Jasper)
Scheffy cruised to victory... also, did you know the sun rises in the east? Big changes without Uncle Ted and Loras not running. Gopal returns to the SCC for the first time since 1999 and the Jasper County GOP Chair, Pals, makes it in. Finally a completed district. What does this say about the 3rd? I report, you comment.

4TH DISTRICT: Isaiah McGee (Dallas), Matt Randall (Story) and ???????? (????)
Isaiah is in! Woot! He’ll be great. Randall returns… who’s on third? Donny Boy, answer your phone!

5TH DISTRICT: Reid Houser (Pottawattamie), Monte Shaw (Guthrie) and ????????? (????)
Houser is back to serve another… Monte is in… his experience will be key for the SCC. Who filled the last spot? I know there isn't so much heavy tailgating out west.... unless you were in Lincoln. Over 80,000 for a spring game? Holy crap!

Cool. That's call I got. You thoughts overall? Surprises? Thumbs up? Talk to me people.

Thanks in advance for your help filling in the roster. Now, since the weather is pretty friggin sweet right now… I’m gonna go find a good patio and ice cold beverages. Discuss away QCI-ders. And to put you in the mood for some good summer like temps… crank up this oldie but goodie from the Fresh Price:

***WEEKEND UPDATE BREAKING NEWS!***

KRUSTY KONSERVATIVE IS BACK!!!

Check it out!

Welcome back Hershel!

DEVELOPING....

Start the music… What a great weekend, huh? Really awesome temps and your Kansas City Royals staying a top of the AL Central after week 1 of the MLB season… WOOT! Powder Blue Power baby! So after a long weekend of being outside, maybe some grilling, a little hoops and drinking beer your garage without having to turn on the turkey heater, I give you the Weekend Update.

OVER AT 621 EAST 9TH - With District Conventions coming up on April 19th and the NFL Draft the following weekend... I thought we might put together a sort of a preview of the State Central Committee (SCC) race. You know, there are tons of NFL Draft previews everywhere… but know SCC preview? While I’m no Mel Kiper, Jr. and I have no Big Board per se… here’s some stuff I have heard and confirmed along the way… so let’s call this SCC Buzz…

1st DISTRICT - Congressional Candidate, former State Chairman and political guru, Brian Kennedy is rumored to be running. He’ll be a tough hand to beat. Also, Dan Nicholson is out… not running again. And word on the street is Don Hulsizer from Dubuque is thinking about running.

3rd DISTRICT - Things are interesting. Steve Scheffler is running again. Former state co-chair Gopal Krishna is running as well as Polk County GOP Women President Mary Ann Spicer.

2nd DISTRICT - Not hearing much out of the 2nd… is the 1st stealing all the drama from eastern Iowa? Or is the hot primary action good enough for you guys?

5th DISTRICT - Donny Boy at Cyclone Conservatives has some good scoop on the upcoming State Central Committee race. Nice. Monte Shaw is a great candidate for the SCC. He was on the campaigns of Jim Ross Lightfoot, Elizabeth Dole, and Chuck Grassley. Mostly on senior levels. His experience would be a great asset to the SCC

4th DISTRICT - Someone get me a Hypercolor T-Shirt… because it looks like some blasts from the past are running. Finally, we have a new face running out in the 4th, Waukee City Councilman and great activist Isaiah McGee is running. He’d make a great member to the SCC. You want to know the kind of funny thing about this scoop? All 3 incumbent members of the 4th District (Matt Randall, Bonnie Hall and Larry Smith) all are running again… but all have endorsed Isaiah. How does that work?

NATIONAL COMMITTEE PEOPLE - And as far as we are concerned… we’ve already talked about that… no new news on that end. Sandy Greiner and Steve Roberts should cruise come state convention.

Well, that’s all we know for now. Will we see Chairman Iverson at the podium on the 19th down at 621 East 9th every 15 minutes or so to declare… “In the first round of the draft, the 4th District selects…”? Followed with the cheers and jeers of fans? No so likely. These folks are elected by delegates. So the cheers, jeers and the drama that is party politics will be in Carroll, Fort lauderDodge, Grinnell, Dubuque and Iowa City.

Although… sometimes… these conventions look and somewhat like the following video:

Here we go… Another Weekend Update for all of you QCI-ders on an over casted, seemingly warm afternoon. Isn’t supposed to rain today? Who knows I guess. This weekend’s version is a little less of the ebb and flow of political scoop and ranting. Even all things Jared Allen (I know, it’s a big stretch for me). Today we venture out in a few fun artsy things… and the randomness you can expect from the world’s crappyist blogger.

JOE HAS AN EYE FOR STUFF – Let me introduce you to a cool photog named Joe Crimmings. Many of you may Joe from the world of politics. He and his wife Libby were a part of the ONE campaign in Iowa. Joe has a real passion for the arts and sharing images from the lens of his camera. If you dig the artsy side of photography, you’ll absolutely dig his new photoblog. It’s pretty friggin sweet. I’m calling this “Must Read QCI Material”… it’s that good.

SPEAKING OF GOOD PICS AND POLITICS – I know I have plugged this site before. But if you want to check out what’s going on with Team Straight Talk… and some pretty good photo blogging, check out McCain Blogette. Meghan usually has a new post daily or at least every other day. Great inside view with the candidate and her friend Heather takes some pretty cool photos. A recent post has some pics with McCain and Romney on the trail.

A GOOD AND EDUCATIONAL WAY TO KILL TIME – Last weekend I spent the better half of Easter afternoon with my family roaming the halls and exhibits of the Iowa Historical Building. And it was a hella good time. Now, many of you have been to a reception or two in the State Historical Building, but have you totally check it out? Many of you Iowa natives probably got a field trip during grade school to go and explore our state’s great history. If the last time you visited was when you had to contemplate “Should I trade a Mike Greenwell rookie card for the entire Royals pitching staff (1985 world champs at the time, mind you).” Then you should hit it up soon. You history and political junkies can thank me later.

NEW QCI FEATURE COMING SOON – “Placemats and Crayons.” Many of you know I like to draw, create and build things… and in most cases… for completely no reason. Some may say I have too much time on my hands (see also Stanhope State University). I’d like to think, there needs to be more hours in the day for being creative and having fun. But what do I know…

“Placemats and Crayons” will be updates on whatever I’m working or other cool stuff I find along the way. Why “Placemats and Crayons” you ask? Ever since I can remember… my ma figured out that to keep me entertained, simply turn over the placemat and hand the kid a box of crayons. And I’ve been drawing and creating stuff ever since. Thanks Mom! Of course there will be a fancy, awesome, cool looking header as well. What would you expect? Real tomato ketchup Eddie? … nothing but the best.

SURPRISINGLY GOOD TUNES – I know, I know… I can hear at least one of my loyal readers yelling, “Dude, you are starting a new feature without even doing a Mix Tape feature yet!” Have a fun one almost done. Cool thing is, the new Hoopty’s tape player still works! WOOT!

Anyway, speaking of tunes, scoped out CD Warehouse yesterday and found 3 kick ass movie sound tracks. Love myself some movie soundtracks. Picked up Backdraft, Days of Thunder (f’n aye John Deere right I picked up Days of Thunder) and finally… The Cable Guy, for $2!!!! If you graduated from high school during the midsection of the ‘90s, you’d be down with The Cable Guy soundtrack. Anyways… here's a great clip to end this Weekend Update… That’s the news and I’m out of here….

OK, for this Weekend Update (start the music) live from Skankeny, we have the political version of selection Sunday… It’s petition filing day! You had to have them in 5:00pm. And like Christian Laettner to a clock with 3 seconds left, we gots ourselves some drama.

1ST DISTRICT BUZZ – Again, it’s on like Donkey Kong! Hartsutch is going after Braley. This is actually huge. First why was Braley going after Hartsutch in this article? Freshman mistake, aye? Is this when I start singing, “We were only freshman…”

BTW, he got enough signatures over the week at county convention. Which has to make those on Planet Braley… a little worried. Getting signatures really sucks. It takes forever. For Hartsutch to put this together this quick, is huge.

Again, why was Braley going after Hartsutch, when he wasn’t even announced. “We were only freshman…”

MOVIN’ ON UP – Speaking of the 2nd … Former Political Director for Mike Huckabee’s Iowa team, Wes Enos, has landed a gig in congressional politics. He is now serving as the campaign manager for Teahan. Congrats Wes! Known Wes for while, glad he landed into the jungle of Congressional campaigns. Go Wes go!

THE ROSS AND RACHEL OF STATE SENATE RACES – So get this. Per Dave Price… Courtney Greene isn’t running for State Senate against Pat Ward. She didn’t file. Oh well… the republic is safe and… again will cruise to victory and keep the momentum going for Rs in the Statehouse. Go Pat! I need you o do a 7.2!

THE QCI… BREAKFAST CLUB – Du, Dah… Hey, hey, hey, HAY! …Ooooooo. Don’t you, forget about… the QCI Breakfast Club! Monday, March 17th @ 7:00am… at where everybody knows your name, Flanagan’s. Green eggs and ham for $3.17. Be there! To RSVP give me a ring or email grantyoung72@hotmail.com

A LITTLE CAR TALK – Which, BTW, Car Talk is totally my new favorite radio show… sorry Rome. Alright, the new Hoopty got a little work done… damn water pump. Oh well, it could be worse aye? One thing you will always get from me, when I like a product or a service… I will tell everyone I know… that service is Higgin’s Plaza Service on Douglas and Merle Hay. If you’re looking for small town mechanic service and truth… they will hook you up with quality service. When your Hoopty goes down or if you need an oil change, it’s solid. Ask for Nick and he’ll take care of you.

Hey QCI-ders! Reporting from downtown Jewell, Iowa for tonight's Weekend Update. I'm working on few big posts... yea, it takes me that long to jot them down. Anyways, here's a huge portion of randomness to for you to read. Que the music!

COUNTY CONVENTIONS - You know what's wierd? Today is the first time in a longtime that I didn't go to a county convention. I opted for playing with my little niece Ainsley this morning. We were coloring... Ducks, tigers, bearcats and cows... it was a blast! But I know a lot of you folks where out there today. Got calls out to my peeps out there on how it went. And now I'm asking my loyal readers. What was the buzz? What did you hear? Any Drama? As always, got scoop? Email me.

STEVE KING ANOUNCEMENT - I'm starting to think 2 things... either we have very slow news days in Des Moines or our local tv folks like to blindly hype things that aren't gonna happen. That's what happened this week in Des Moines with Steve King's announcement that he will be running for re-election. I watched, half awake, on "Today in Iowa" on 13 that was talking about Steve King's special announcement this week. And I'm like, "Dude, what's he gonna do?" (Half awake mind you) Then one of my sources shot back at me later that morning when I got to the office... "He's only making stops in Sioux City and Counciltucky." Then the hack instinct of the force ame through... running for re-election aye?

Good for him. Steve King rocks. This isn't the right time to against Harkin. But there has been some buzz off and on that he's looking at Big Lug's seat. Glad he's in the saddle for Congress. Will he go afer Big Lug

BARKIN' AT HARKIN - Steve Rathje found himself a primary opponent this week, former State Representative George Eichhorn. Alright, I'm gonna ask for it. Can we have an American Gladiator challenge between these 2 at the RPI Lincoln Dinner? DK, I'd sponsor a table if this was so... I'm just sayin'.

JEWELL FEATURED - For those of you who know me best, I'm pretty Texan when it comes to my hometown of Jewell. This month, Jewell is featured in Iowan Magazine. While you will only get a fraction of the article online... in the print version, you will get a picture of the old town entrance sign I made in college. Here's part of the story... to check the rest, buy it on newsstands.

STATE BASKETBALL COMEDY - For those of you into the high school version of March Madness, you saw the pregame ad. But my sister in law Sarah got a bigger kick out of watching the 4A Championship game when it opened up it's broadcast with, "The Championship Game brought to you by... Teen Pregnancy, It's for Real!" Still laughing now.

MORE LOCAL TV COMEDY - Here in Central Iowa, it's the Variety Club telethon weekend. You know who is one of this year's hosts? HACKSAW JIM DUGGAN! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Seriously, this is the best telethon I've watched, ever. Whenever a new goal is reached... HOOOOOO! Friggin awesome! Seriously, listened to his interview this morning on "Takedown Wrestling" on KXNO. Great guy! Great interview! Trivia of the day, did you know Hacksaw was recruited by ISU in the 70s? And his tour guide in Ames was the legndary wrestler Chris Taylor? Again, it was a great interview and got to learn more about one of my favorite pro wrestlers... and how here you go! HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!