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In Flyover Country

  • This will make you cringe...

    Today's Financial Times has a very interesting write-up concerning the budget hole we're in.

    Essentially, we're unable to fill it without a dramatic rise in taxes (which in turn slows down economic vitality, etc... - you know the rest.)

    This is the part that made us want to throw up:

    Mr Obama [...]

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    Posted: April 06, 2009, 8:43am EDT
    by Striker

  • The Media of Inevitability

    Well folks, the truly inevitable has happened.  The media are defending ridiculous pork ideas. 

    The lastest is Todd Dorman, who chides Republicans for coming out against a 12-story "Tower of Invincibility" in Vedic City.  This is a part of Culver's new I-Jobs plan.  Dorman thinks Republicans should be ashamed [...]
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    Posted: March 26, 2009, 2:23pm EDT
    by Striker

  • One Way Or Another



    I guess when the unions set out to take more of our hard-earned money – whether through forced dues, prevailing wage, revamping collective bargaining, or more – they really mean it.
    No, I mean, they REALLY mean it. When they aren't having their way picking our pockets through legislative fiat,' [...]
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    Posted: March 19, 2009, 4:04pm EDT
    by Captain Oveur

  • Iowa Gets A Break - Collins to the RNC

    As has been reported around the blogosphere today, Gentry Collins was tapped today to serve as the RNC Political Director. A few months ago, Krusty had posted a rumor that Collins was heading out to California to work with Meg Whitman's campaign. He's been rumored for other posts as well, [...]
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    Posted: March 19, 2009, 11:17am EDT
    by Captain Oveur

  • Am I Outraged? No, I'm Not.

    Since the simple, feeble-minded people who are outraged over the AIG bonuses choose to take a shallow, narrow-sighted, class warfare argument, we are going to take the same, simple approach to our argument: We are not outraged over the AIG bonuses.

    If you'll remember, we channeled our outrage over the actual' [...]
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    Posted: March 18, 2009, 8:33am EDT
    by McCroskey

  • Brand new video of Vander Plaats' Iowa Press Appearance!





    See above.  That's where we have embedded the brand new video of Bob Vander Plaats' Iowa Press appearance this weekend.  In the first 10 seconds, you can see an empty suit.  At about minute 14, you'll see as he says nothing.  Oh!  Watch for that zinger 20 minutes in.  Plus, [...]
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    Posted: March 16, 2009, 6:14am EDT
    by McCroskey

  • Great new documentary on the United Nations

    [...]
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    Posted: March 13, 2009, 10:22am EDT
    by Striker

  • "Corporations move to low-tax Switzerland; Escape Obama's tax-seeking administration"

    Be honest.  When you saw the above headline describing this story, you had strong feelings one way or another.

    1.  "Those damn, dirty corporations are nothing but greed factories. They won't pay their fair share, and leaving the country is unpatriotic."

    2.  "See, the government sets high-tax policies and doesn't take into account" [...]
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    Posted: March 12, 2009, 8:59am EDT
    by McCroskey

  • I'm confused

    'If people aren't clear, they're going to be confused.'

    That's a recent quote from the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet.  To whom was he reffering?  To his choice for President of the United States, Barack Obama.

    Buffet said the quote in response to how the President is handling the economy.  He, along with [...]
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    Posted: March 10, 2009, 7:51am EDT
    by Striker

  • An Open Letter to Democrats

    Dear Democrat Friends,

    We haven't always agreed on, well, almost anything.  We've had spirited, idealogical debates that have led to sparring and some good revelations.  But today, we're asking for your help.

    Too often, both parties are portrayed as either tax and spend (Democrats) or cut all taxes and let everyone fend' [...]
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    Posted: March 05, 2009, 6:59am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Mess with the Lim-bull, you'll get the horns

    The recent flap between Michael Steele and Rush Limbaugh brings us to three things that are forever certain:

    1.  Of course the media fabricates stories against conservatives.  So what's new?  That doesn't mean it didn't happen.
    2.  If you are a conservative, never, ever fall for the allure of the media.  They [...]
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    Posted: March 04, 2009, 6:33am EST
    by Striker

  • Iowa Democrats: Don't Kick Us While We're Down

    A recent economic activity survey by the Iowa Business Council shows us how completely bad things really are in Iowa, as if you didn't already know by turning on the TV:


    I know most of you watching CNBC, Fox Business, the DJIA, or practically any other national broadcast understand' [...]
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    Posted: March 03, 2009, 11:02am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Shake-ups in blog world

    We thought we felt a little turbulance in the skies over the past couple of days.  However, that wasn't quite the right word for it, since there wasn't really anything bad going on.

    Was the shaking from Oveur and a flight attendant in the cockpit?  Nope.  Checked it out, and Oveur [...]
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    Posted: March 02, 2009, 8:20am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Something to Chew On...



    Yesterday, I posted some thoughts about 2010, 2012 and the early presidential buzz. Since I was in a 2010 mindset, I thought it might be a good follow up to give our readers a look at the US Senate outlook for 2010. Above is the analysis provided by [...]
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    Posted: February 27, 2009, 9:09am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Jindal, Palin, 2010 & 2012: Random thoughts...

    We always take notice of Krusty's posts, and often find ourselves in agreement with his premises. He is the Doggfather, after all, of the Iowa rightosphere.

    However, yesterday's post on Jindal got me to thinking about 2012 and as I read the short thread, I found myself scratching my head. [...]
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    Posted: February 26, 2009, 11:50am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Here's an idea we can rally behind

    Last week, state senator Matt McCoy blew the barn doors off rural Iowa schools by suggesting that smaller schools should close.  He argued that it's not cost efficient and the state could save some major funds by doing so.

    This met with huge resistance from all political stripes.  For the most [...]
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    Posted: February 25, 2009, 3:37am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Democrats stroke education's front, steal from taxpayers' behinds

    This article in the Gazette today shows the true intentions of Democrats when it comes to their "priorities" in spending.

    They announced that in 2011, they will approve a 2% allowable growth for our schools.  They went on to say that this shows their commitment to education.  Despite all the [...]
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    Posted: February 24, 2009, 3:40am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Working Class Hero

    63 hours.

    As of this writing, that's how long Speaker Murphy has taken to prove to his union donors that he's serious about labor issues.

    So what's really going on? He knows he doesn't have the vote. Any vote switcher now would be eviscerated with a barrage of phone calls, letters, talk' [...]
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    Posted: February 23, 2009, 3:37am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Good thing we posted the picture

    The voting machine shut down in the Iowa House.  This is getting pathetic.  Seriously.  How desperate does Pat Murphy look right now?  Good thing we have the picture posted below, to ensure that when the Democrats "manually" re-enter the votes they did so correctly.

    House Republicans need and deserve our support.  [...]
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    Posted: February 21, 2009, 7:00am EST
    by Striker

  • In all its glory - keep this one for history

    Below you will find the photo of the voting board in the Iowa House of Representatives.  As you can see, the Republicans were able to secure a major victory today.  As with the stimulus bill nationally, in Iowa they locked arms to oppose detrimental legislation that would forever change Iowa's business [...]
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    Posted: February 20, 2009, 6:02pm EST
    by McCroskey

  • Labor Party Bait and Switch!!



    Forget what we posted about LIARry Marek... The bait and switch is in effect. Yes, when the compromise deal was cut on Wednesday night, Marek was the guy who caved and said he would vote yes. At that moment, negotiations ceased because the labor left had their 51st man.

    However, [...]
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    Posted: February 20, 2009, 10:02am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Call LIARry Marek

    Yesterday McCroskey told you about that liar Larry Marek.  He promised, while at home last weekend, to vote against prevailing wage.

    Larry Marek broke his promise to his consituents.

    Please, regardless of where you live, call (515) 281-3221 and don't just tell him you want him to vote against the bill.  That' [...]
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    Posted: February 20, 2009, 7:37am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • A million a day since Jesus!

    [...]
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    Posted: February 20, 2009, 3:35am EST
    by Striker

  • Conservatives, do not fret and do not worry

    As conservatives, it is easy for us to throw our hands up in the air and scream the sky is falling.  We worry and fret, wondering what the Obama administration will do next to trample on our freedoms.  We wonder how in the world we can possibly sustain this level [...]
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    Posted: February 19, 2009, 7:39am EST
    by Striker

  • TAKE ACTION!

    IowaGOP ACTION ALERT 

    HOUSE DEMOCRATS SET TO PASS PREVAILING WAGE BILL, TODAY

    Call your House Members IMMEDIATELY Democrats who control the Iowa House of Representatives have scheduled debate for later this morning on the so-called “prevailing wage” bill that will create state mandated wages and benefits for those working on public construction [...]

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    Posted: February 19, 2009, 6:46am EST
    by McCroskey

  • LIARry Marek

    Newly elected state Representative Larry Marek less than a week ago called prevailing wage a tax increase.   In fact, he went further, stating:

    "I don't want to see property taxes go up," Marek said.
    He also said that his votes in the Iowa House would reflect the wishes of the majority' [...]

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    Posted: February 19, 2009, 1:23am EST
    by McCroskey

  • SERIOUS COVER-UP BY THE DEMOCRATS IN KERRY BURT DWI

    "Fuzzy" and "Hazy."

    No, we're not talking about Kerry Burt at 2:34 a.m. behind the wheel on a Thursday morning.

    We're talking about his arrest report.

    The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier is reporting that the report has been shielded from the public and the press.  The police don't even know if Burt himself was driving! ' [...]
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    Posted: February 13, 2009, 4:29am EST
    by Striker

  • BREAKING NEWS -- BUSTED!!!

    That's right - drunk Democrats are breaking the law...yet again.  2:43 a.m. - seriously?  Way to go, Burt.  I guess it's understood though, I mean you are only in your 20s.  Oh wait - you're 44.  You stupid, stammering, slobbering drunk.  Thanks for turning your car into a deadly weapon. ' [...]

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    Posted: February 12, 2009, 6:57am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • why...why...WHY??????

    I don't know why our stupid politicos are trying - TRYING - to make Iowa lose our first-in-the-nation caucuses.

    Last week, we told you about Steve Scheffler and Kim Lehman actively trashing in the press the man who holds the keys to our first-in-the-nation status.

    Now, it appears our fearless lawmakers' [...]
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    Posted: February 12, 2009, 3:10am EST
    by McCroskey

  • IPP is at it again...




    Here In Flyover Country, we appreciate anyone who's willing to annoy team Culver. And it appears that conservative group Iowa Progress Project has gotten a big old burr under Culver's saddle. They have made a habit of peppering the administration with open records requests over email communications [...]
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    Posted: February 11, 2009, 4:20am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Aye, Comrade!



    Check out the headline above.  It's no longer just right-wing bloggers stating it anymore.  The mainstream media knows what we've been screaming for years: the United States has finally succumbed to European-style Socialism.  And buckle up, because it's about to get a lot worse before (if ever) it gets' [...]
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    Posted: February 10, 2009, 3:01am EST
    by Striker

  • Hey unions...suck on this a while!

    A new report this week shows Iowa in the bottom half of states in which to create a business.

    Wait - scratch that.  Bottom 20.

    Oh!  Nope.  There we go again.  Bottom 7.

    Geez.  Sorry, we messed up.  Bottom TWO.  Behind West Virginia.

    That's pathetic.

    What's Big Labor's solution?  They want to force us [...]

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    Posted: February 06, 2009, 4:29am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Who Should Replace Yepsen?

    With the recent announcement by the Dean of the Iowa Political Press, David Yepsen, a lot of national wags and newsies are talking about who should replace him. There are two aspects to replacing Yepsen. First, who replaces him at the Register. Second, who becomes the lead dog in the [...]
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    Posted: February 05, 2009, 4:05am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • It ain't Child's Play



    One of the largest gaping holes in terms of policy differences between Republicans and Democrats is the idea of "torture" and Guantanamo Bay.  Obama says he will shut down Gitmo within a year, no doubt siding with the so-called "human rights" crowd on his side of the aisle.  We [...]

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    Posted: February 04, 2009, 3:19am EST
    by McCroskey

  • We'll miss you

    I will never forget the first time I met David Yepsen.  It was during my work in the trenches on the '88 caucuses in Des Moines.  While gruff, he was always gracious.  Now, as we both have aged, he has become much more wiser than I could hope to be.

    Yepsen' [...]
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    Posted: February 03, 2009, 5:09pm EST
    by Striker

  • Oh, the irony...



    Don't you just love YouTube?
    ' [...]
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    Posted: February 03, 2009, 5:52am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Steve & Kim: Shut the &@$% up!!

    Here's some good political advice which will no doubt go unheeded: Steve Scheffler and Kim Lehman need to stop giving interviews to reporters talking about other Republicans. In fact, why stop there? How about the SCC passing a gag order so those two can't give ANY interviews using their party' [...]
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    Posted: February 02, 2009, 9:23am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • The GOP's Steele Curtain

    Hats off to the Pittsburgh Steelers last night.  They capped off an incredible Super Bowl - by some accounts the most exciting ever.  Props, too, to Kurt Warner for being a stand-up guy on and off the field.  He makes us proud to be Iowans.

    Speaking of Iowa, there's a new [...]

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    Posted: February 02, 2009, 4:13am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Michael Steele chosen as new RNC chairman

    Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Michael Steele has been elected as the first African-American chairman of the Republican Party.

    A lot of people don't know this, but the GOP was actually started by African-Americans in many of the local chapters throughout the country.  Kind of interesting.

    I don't know much about him, I'll' [...]
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    Posted: January 30, 2009, 11:30am EST
    by Striker

  • What will Bob say?

    Radio Iowa's blog reports:  It appears Mikey "THERE IS NO DEFICIT!  THERE IS NONE!" Gronstal has thrown down the gauntlet to Vaudt and Vander Plaats, asking them what they would cut if they were crafting the budget. 

    This is a blessing for Bob - it gets him some badly-needed press [...]
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    Posted: January 30, 2009, 3:46am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Oh...THAT chairman's race

    With the inauguration and constant talk of the stimulus package, a li'l-noticed RNC chairman's race is going on.  We set forth to do a little research, and stopped cold with a piece by Marc Ambinder of CBS news because it sums it up nicely.  We reprint it in its entirety' [...]
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    Posted: January 29, 2009, 5:59pm EST
    by McCroskey

  • Michael Kiernan to lead the Iowa Democrats

    Des Moines City Councilman Michael Kiernan is going to lead the Iowa Democratic Party, the Des Moines Register is reporting this morning.

    Among the responsibilities they list include organizing the state's 99 counties (yawn), turning out Democrats in elections (yawn) and - gasp - keeping Iowa first-in-the-nation.

    Wow.  That's going to be [...]
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    Posted: January 29, 2009, 3:49am EST
    by Striker

  • Iowa's Lazy Governor



    While Culver dances, boozes and generally makes a mess of Iowa's image, he fails to do the work we elected him to do.

    As conservatives, we love the idea of cutting government spending by 6.5%, a proposal which Culver is outlining in more detail this morning. Who doesn't think government' [...]
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    Posted: January 28, 2009, 4:16am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Let my peephole go!

    That's right - pervs are roaming the streets today, after the Supreme Court let 15 sex offenders go free.  No matter where you live, you're sure to see this story on the front page of your newspaper.  Yes, you just spit out your coffee onto your computer screen instead of' [...]
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    Posted: January 27, 2009, 2:54am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Looks like I picked the wrong week to get caught drinking beer...

    That's right, Governor Chester Culver was caught by the Politico, double fisting the brewskis at a high-falutin' party while out in D.C.

    Far be it from us to cast judgments here.  McCroskey goes on a chemically-induced rant every other day on the blog.

    However, the rumors out there certainly seem to be [...]
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    Posted: January 22, 2009, 10:59am EST
    by Striker

  • WHY IT MATTERS: Culver's Pay-to-Play Scandal

    Iowa is in the midst of a scandal.

    There is no better word for it.

    And nobody cares.

    Yepsen writes a must-read column today regarding the sale of the Iowa Lottery.  The title - "Lottery giveaway seems a done deal" - should make you shudder.  It IS a done deal, and it's' [...]
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    Posted: January 22, 2009, 4:05am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Tidbits...

    Krusty has a monster post up today on Culver's fundraising and calls out Republicans for financing Culver's Blago-riffic pay-to-play culture. This is why we love Krusty. Our post from yesterday focused on a single donor and a single financial play that is at work in Iowa. We were proud [...]
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    Posted: January 21, 2009, 3:21am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • First we'll buy Culver...then, we'll buy the Lottery

    There is a story in today's Des Moines Register that outlays the plan for Dan Kehl and associates to purchase the Iowa Lottery for $200 million, then subsequently receive $22 million each year thereafter.  Currently, Iowa receives more than $50 million a year in proceeds from the Iowa Lottery. 

    Clearly, [...]
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    Posted: January 16, 2009, 7:44am EST
    by Striker

  • You're not gonna believe this one...



    The above banner...pretty nice, no?

    I mean, sure, it's Barack Obama.  However, its editorializing and message - "A New Birth of Freedom" - it does the trick for them, right?

    Liberals have been shouting down President Bush for 8 years, never giving him a fair shake, blasting him for everything he's ever [...]
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    Posted: January 16, 2009, 3:39am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Our question for you is...

    1. Jack Kibbie gets a big handshake and "Atta boy!" from a lobbyist after he states he wants to raise the gas tax. 

    Our question for you is, was the palm greased, did it have cash or was there a check exchanged? We may never know.

    2. Things are [...]
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    Posted: January 15, 2009, 4:06am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Are you listening, GOP?

    Governor Bobby Jindal sat down with Cal Thomas for a very frank interview about what is wrong with the GOP. 

    Jindal strikes us as someone with Gingrich-esque qualities all the way.  The guy has great ideas, and knows how to implement them.  The thing with Jindal is, unlike Newt, [...]

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    Posted: January 14, 2009, 4:09am EST
    by Striker

  • Condition of the Speech: Pathetic

    Krusty's take on the governor's Kondition of the State address nails it.

    We'll pile on and say the level of ineptitude displayed at that podium today was downright frightening.  We don't expect Culver to have all the answers - nobody does, be you a president, governor, speaker, and the like.  [...]
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    Posted: January 13, 2009, 11:07am EST
    by Striker

  • Condition of the State - Long on Yawns, Short on Specifics





    The above image is what thus far the governor has hashed out for his budget.

    That's right: nada.

    So, as the governor addresses the entire state of Iowa today - seen at 10 a.m. on IPTV - he is charged with laying out his priorities.  However, last week the governor said [...]
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    Posted: January 13, 2009, 2:42am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Ladies and Gentlemen...Chairman Matt Strawn

    Central Iowa businessman Matt Strawn has been elected the Republican Party of Iowa's new Chairman.  Congratulations, sir.

    Really, congrats are in order for all of us.  We studied the candidates, narrowed the field and ultimately chose a person who worked very hard for the job, met with many people across the [...]
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    Posted: January 10, 2009, 9:14am EST
    by McCroskey

  • You CAN Choose Your Friends (Just Do It Wisely)

    Written by Oveur, McCroskey and Striker and posted by Oveur. (A rare collaboration!)

    We have emailed back and forth today and we've decided not to do any formal endorsements in the Chairman's race. Nothing against anyone who has done so, but we prefer to continue to call 'em as we see [...]
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    Posted: January 09, 2009, 6:02am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • And Now for Something Productive

    Well, we had to get that little Gopal tirade off our chest, and of course give our appreciation to Krusty for leading the blogosphere on this issue. So now what?

    Here's five things we suggest for the new RPI Chairman.

    1. Hire a good, professional E.D. Someone who will be loyal to the [...]
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    Posted: January 07, 2009, 9:35am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Krishna going down with guns blazing

    Are you watching this, Central Committee members?

    In a bizarre rant during a fit of absolute rage, Gopal Krishna is setting fire to all things G-O-P.  McCroskey told you yesterday about Krishna's letter to Steve Deace, but now in an interview with the Iowa Independent, he pulls no punches.  Let's see [...]
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    Posted: January 07, 2009, 3:10am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Gopal OUT in race for chairman

    Proving that there is a God, er...holy cow, Buddha, or whatever - Gopal Krishna, in his own words, is officially OUT as candidate for Republican State Chairman.

    Whew.  Thank goodness.

    He made the statement in a letter to our good buddy Steve Deace.

    We think it's funny that he states he is [...]
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    Posted: January 06, 2009, 9:17am EST
    by McCroskey

  • What a Meeting!

    The illustrious Kay Henderson live-blogged the debate between our would-be Republican chairmen today (with a Krusty re-kap here!)  Your captains paid close attention among the 100 persons in attendance, thanks to them.  The fact that so many showed up early on a weekend is a good sign.  Nobody was [...]
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    Posted: January 03, 2009, 4:13pm EST
    by Striker

  • Score one for Blago!



    Well, I guess the lesson for Harry Reid and the national Democrats is this: never mess with a Chicago pol with nothing to lose...

    So, he goes out and appoints Roland Burrus, the former Attorney General of Illinois, an African American statewide elected official, who would become (now that Obama [...]
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    Posted: December 30, 2008, 11:49am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Kriticizing Krishna

    Your captains In Flyover Country are big fans of SCC member David Chung.  He brings thoughtful insight to all things GOP, and is a stand-up guy by every single account.  However, we respectfully (looking at you, blog commenters) disagree with him and agree with Krusty on the matter [...]
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    Posted: December 30, 2008, 6:40am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Three more reasons why liberalism just doesn't work

    In perusing the papers this weekend, your captains In Flyover Country discovered even more reasons why liberalism doesn't work.  Three examples contained below:

    Another taxing entity

    The Democrats have come out with a new property tax "relief" proposal which would supposedly lower property taxes while giving them the power to tax [...]
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    Posted: December 29, 2008, 4:02am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Yep, this pretty much sums it up

    [...]
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    Posted: December 19, 2008, 8:30am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • And the winner is...





    That's right.  Ford Motor Company is the biggest winner in this whole auto bailout scheme.  Why?  Because they are the only one of the Big 3 automakers without their hands out.

    Whether it's a publicity stunt or not, we're hooked.

    If we were Ford's marketing team, we would be having [...]
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    Posted: December 19, 2008, 6:26am EST
    by Striker

  • The Chairman's Race: A View from 40,000 Ft

    Your captains In Flyover Country have been closely monitoring the race for chairman over at RPI.  While our air controller picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue, we're hoping for a soft landing on this one.  Congrats to those wanting the job - we respect your willingness to share [...]

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    Posted: December 18, 2008, 3:10am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Why our job just got harder

    Our good buddy John Bresnahan writes at the Politico that Nancy Pelosi is exerting her power, and made it clear to Rahm Emanuel that under no circumstances was the Congress to be counted on as an "automatic" for Obama's agenda.

    What a nice change.  Too bad it's about 8 years [...]
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    Posted: December 17, 2008, 7:55am EST
    by Striker

  • BREAKING: Vilsack for Secretary of Agriculture

    In a move to be announced tomorrow, President-Elect Barack Obama will name former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his Secretary of Agriculture.

    This move is shocking.  Not just because McCroskey's source was clearly smoking crack the other day, but because of Vilsack's relative inesperience with regard to agriculture.  He has [...]
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    Posted: December 16, 2008, 1:35pm EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • The Chairmain's Race: A Scorecard

    Iowa Defense Alliance has a great write-up of the chairman's race, with Krusty making a great point as well, and the Iowa Rightosphere (Hat Tip: Deeth) being scorching hot, and it led us to think about what truly will make an effective and great chairman.  So, we [...]
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    Posted: December 15, 2008, 4:44am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Back to the Basics...a Dose of Dope

    I'm dishing out some dope today.  It's been a while, but the e-mails haven't stopped (captainoveur@inflyovercountry.com).  So, a dose (not "daily") of dope...

    Krusty Konservative has an amazing take on the state chairman's race.  Per the usual, he nails it on the head.  Go over there and check it [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 11, 2008, 7:47am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Successful student? We'll fix that.

    In a little-noticed meeting today, the Iowa State Board of Education is going to revisit homeschooling rules for the first time since 1996.  As a ferocious school choice advocate, I shudder to think of what "fixes" they will implement.

    According to the agenda, they will look at standardized testing, teaching [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 11, 2008, 5:48am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda...

    Much is being made of the unaired McCain campaign commercial that tied Barack Obama to Jeremiah Wright.  I know one thing that we were disappointed in was that they didn't more effectively use this issue during the campaign.  McCain even repudiated his supporters when they mentioned Wright's name. 

    So, I [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 10, 2008, 4:31am EST
    by Striker

  • A Civil Libertarian on Gay Marriage

    As the state's high court today discusses whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, I'm going to divert from Striker on this issue and explain it more from a laissez faire position, and one upon which our party was founded.

    I do not believe in any way, shape or form [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 09, 2008, 8:49am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Big day in Court

    The Iowa Supreme Court today will begin deliberations on the gay marriage case in Iowa.

    If you'll recall, it was just before Labor Day weekend 2007 that produced the explosive decision by Polk County's own Judge Hanson that said homosexual couples could indeed marry in Iowa.

    Iowa's case is a little [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 08, 2008, 5:01am EST
    by Striker

  • Censure

    At yesterday's meeting of the State Central Committee, Kim Lehman was officially censured by a vote of 8 to 7.

    Does anyone know who the "nay" votes were?  Those voting against censure of Lehman were extremely frightened their actions would be public, so demanded a secret vote.  Way to stand [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 07, 2008, 10:23am EST
    by Striker

  • Gopal Krishna cannot be State Chairman

    We have read with delight the right-wing blogosphere here in Iowa. 

    Who says we have division and aren't united?  Seems to us, the entire blogosphere is burning with red-hot passion against Gopal Krishna as state chair.  And for good reason.

    Gopal was run out on his ass in 2000.  He was [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 05, 2008, 4:36am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Let Them Fail



    Well, sort of.

    As I watch the bailout hearings of the auto industry, I would vote against giving them the $34 billion (funny how the request went up by $9 billion in just two weeks -- that's either because they wanted a bigger opening for the negotiation, or because [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 04, 2008, 4:37am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Social Conservatives and Liberals UNITING for a cause!

    An astute passenger In Flyover Country, noting that we aren't fans of the fraud Mitt Romney, but more so noting we (well, I) hate frauds on the Christian right, sent us an observation today:

    Well, well, well.  It looks like the social conservatives are gaining up with the liberals in the [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 03, 2008, 3:55pm EST
    by McCroskey

  • Northey for Governor

    While Constitution Daily solicits thoughts on Bob Vander Plaats' run for governor, and offered up a new missive today, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey is the latest to refuse ruling out a gubernatorial run during a recent interview.

    While we In Flyover Country ultimately think he will decide against [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: December 01, 2008, 10:55am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Worth Fighting For...



    As the Obamanaut picks up speed and momentum headed into the Inauguration, it's important to remember some of the things that are at stake and the possible cost to America of an over-reaching left of center agenda. While the country must wish their president well in trying times, we must [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 21, 2008, 5:47am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Lovebirds arouse a stir



    Imagine the setting.

    A dark room, strobe lights all around, the foam begins to mount on the slick dance floor.  Bass is thumpin', techno fills the air, a surreal moment as the drubbing through your body grows hot.  Grows heavy.  There is a male penguin in the corner, dressed to [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 20, 2008, 9:03am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • America does not need more czars



    Will Wilkinson of the CATO Institute delivers the must-read of the week in his latest essay.  He starts:

    Remember America's can-do, point man in the war on drugs, the so-called "Drug Czar?" Well, if you like czars, you'll love President-elect Barack Obama. He's proposing a new "technology czar," he's [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 20, 2008, 6:08am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Why liberal media hates the free market

    It's holiday time, and it's also the end of the year.  So what does that mean?  You guessed it: more job cuts in newspaper world.  Bear with us here - we have a point...

    The Register is on the chopping block for a number of these cuts, and nervous staffers are [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 20, 2008, 4:06am EST
    by Striker

  • JEL assholes are at it again



    These idiot assholes at JEL have overstepped their bounds one time too many.

    I know their whole mantra is "shock and awe," pilfering taxpayer dollars to pay for billboards across the state that have never been scientifically proven to work, but makes the liberals feel better about themselves.  The billboards [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 19, 2008, 9:35am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Did 2008 mark the beginning of the end of the Iowa caucuses?

    The Associated Press has a story out today with a number of Iowa Republican opnion leaders quoted as wondering if 2008 might have killed the Iowa caucuses.  They point to the large influx of evangelicals that infiltrated the caucuses - some estimates have it over 60 percent - and [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 19, 2008, 6:48am EST
    by Striker

  • Senate Republicans Hold Leadership Elections

    Big changes in the Republican caucus in the Iowa Senate. Drum roll...

    McKinley- new leader
    Kettering- whip
    Ward- asst leader
    Johnson- asst leader
    Zaun- asst leader
    Boettger- asst leader

    The Flyover guys wish the new leadership team in the Senate good luck. There is a lot of work to be done in both chambers, and at the [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 18, 2008, 10:24am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Des Moines School Board member sends sexually graphic email to student

    This will make your stomach turn.  It appears outspoken Des Moines School Board member Jonathan Narcisse is in a bit of hot water yet again.

    In an e-mail, Jonathan typed a graphic sexual innuendo to a male, underage student!  That's right - according to the Register, he emailed this student [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 18, 2008, 5:53am EST
    by McCroskey

  • BearStearns/AIG/FannieMae/FreddieMac/and....and....and....

    Oh that's right, they won't tell us.

    One industry that IS the topic of the latest bailout blowout are the automakers.

    You want to have a soft spot for these guys.  They've been scraping along, actually making better products and turning in some great profits last year.  Then, liberal government policies that [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 18, 2008, 4:19am EST
    by McCroskey

  • SMACKDOWN!

    It appears old wounds have resurfaced in Mike Huckabee's latest book, "Do the Right Thing," with some viewing this as the opening shot in the war that wages for 2012.

    Time Magazine says "Do the Right Thing" is Huckabee's book aimed at settling political scores, throwing anyone and everyone under [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 17, 2008, 7:50am EST
    by Striker

  • Coming Soon: Top Shelf Staff Slashed at the Register?

    The Times has a piece today on how newspapers across the country are having to make deep cuts in order to make up for their steep circulation losses.

    These cuts, it appears, are not merely custodians, ink blotters and low-level copywriters.  No, the time for those kind of cuts have [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 17, 2008, 3:39am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Con Daily: Bailout for Reed!!

    OK, we love our blogging partners like the Iowa Defense Alliance and Constitution Daily. We also regularly give props to the Godfather of the Iowa blogosphere, Krusty.

    But after our post this morning, and reading the Constitution Daily's response, we're left scratching our heads. To quote:

    "You give Reed 10 million bucks [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 14, 2008, 4:16am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Silver Lining: Christopher Reed's Loss

    Last night, listening to Bill Salier sub for Steve Deace, I was astonished at the point he made about electoral success in comparing "moderates" to "conservatives".

    First, I've watched Salier's fascinating career for quite a while now. He's a talented speaker with an interesting story, and his race against Greg Ganske [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 13, 2008, 11:21am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Free Health Insurance for Illegals!

    It only took one week, but the Democrats have already shown their true colors. 

    Yesterday, in a committee called the Iowa Choice Health Care Coverage Advisory Council, which was created by the Democrats and led by Sen. Jack Hatch, passed a legislative recommendation 6-3 which would provide children of ILLEGAL [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 13, 2008, 7:37am EST
    by McCroskey

  • Paulsen to Lead House Republicans



    In a close vote, House Republicans today elected State Representative Kraig Paulsen of Linn County to lead the caucus into the future.

    In the last election, most Republican observers felt that the Iowa House offered the best opportunity for pick ups. But in the wave of 2008, it appeared that [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 10, 2008, 8:49am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • The Silver Lining: A Time for Healing

    Editor's Note:  One of the major disgraces and embarrassments of the last eight years was the way our president was portrayed, regarded, mocked and the disgusting things some on the left did to him.  Too numerous to count, the angry fringe left not only disgraced President Bush, but the [...]

     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 05, 2008, 4:29am EST
    by McCroskey

  • The Silver Lining



    We're pilots.

    We have a view from 40,000 feet, flying with the clouds.

    We're optimists.

    We see the silver lining in those clouds.

    We have divided up responsibility with all three pilots to determine the silver lining in Tuesday's elections. 

    That's right, a new feature.  We hope you like it.

    Stay tuned.

    Have a Silver Lining [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 04, 2008, 9:51am EST
    by Captain Oveur

  • Thankful

    Our pilots are busy flying people to the polls for Republicans today.  What a beautiful day for it - this is fun.  I was fortunate enough to duck into a Starbucks.  Free coffee - are you kidding me?  Great stuff.

    Any ways, no posts today in honor of election day, and [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 04, 2008, 8:49am EST
    by McCroskey

  • The Daily Dope: One Day Before Election Day!

    God bless QCI.  They did us all a service with what he calls a "Gameday Post."  Read it.  Seriously. 

    The Des Moines Register had an actually pretty decent voter guide on Sunday.  We'll always give credit where it's due.  One objection - Steve King is facing a "stiff challenge" [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: November 03, 2008, 3:07am EST
    by Striker

  • Happy Halloween!

    [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 31, 2008, 10:11am EDT
    by McCroskey

  • Predictions?

    Since most of our readers are already junkies, you've all likely seen maps like this one on the web so you can pretend to be Jon King or Chuck Todd. But in case you've missed it or gotten too busy, here's the google political map embedded for you to [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 31, 2008, 5:24am EDT
    by Captain Oveur

  • The Friday Freakshow!

    What a week, folks!  The whirlwind final campaign days are upon us.  As a reward for your hard work, below is the Friday Freakshow because, well...you've earned it.  Did we miss a freak?  Shout at us at captainoveur@inflyovercountry.com.  On to the freakshow...

    FREAK OF THE WEEK:  This week's honor goes [...]
     | Rate | Archive
    Posted: October 31, 2008, 3:21am EDT
    by Striker
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