Raised On Radio #5: Manfred Mann

If you think of Manfred Mann, you'll likely think of the 60s British Invasion band best known for "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" and "The Mighty Quinn", or the 70s prog-rock Manfred Mann's Earth Band who went to #1 with "Blinded by the Light".

MMEB rode that momentum into the 80s like bands like ELO, Jethro Tull, and the Moody Blues.

"Runner" was the the band's last shot at the charts and went to #22.

The 80s were about the big motivational anthems, and "Runner" certainly fit the era of the 84 LA Olympics.

Adventures of a Swing-state Voter - "Not Obama" edition

Iowa is expected to see a lot of Willard and Barry this summer.

That's because the New York named Iowa one of nine states that will determine the election.

The GOP feels good.  For the first time since 2006, there are more registered Republicans than Democrats (608,000 to 599,000).

Although, I feel it important to note that this year, we had an uncontested Democrat caucus, and Iowans can switch affiliation at caucus time.  I have to admit, I almost did it, because I didn't want to miss out on the fun (and to cast a vote for Buddy Roemer).

The Iowan GOP just got done with their annual Lincoln Day fundraiser.

The Lincoln Day fundraiser featured the Lt. Governor talking about overturning Obamacare, Sen. Charles Grassley spoke on defeating Obama, Iowa congressman Tom Latham attacked Obama on cap & Trade, Rep. Steve King grilled Obama on everything, and a handful of state and local GOPers talking about Obamacare and the importance of winning the state house.

It seems like something is missing, but I can't quite place my finger on it.

Ok, at least, someone said the R-word, even if it was an hour and 45 minutes into the 2 hour event.

It also should be worth noting that although the Governor has endorsed Mitt Romney (three months after the caucus), there are some major Iowa players who haven't.

Speaker of the Iowa house Craig Paulson is one who endorsed Gingrich during the caucuses and has yet to endorse Romney.

Maybe, local conservative blowhard Steve Deace was right, there's only one way Mitt can win - stop campaigning and legally change his name to "Not Obama".