A Part of the Action...

Politico provides some inside scoop on the celebrity of the Iowa Caucus (excerpts below)

"For many in the nation’s capital, New Year’s Eve often means a quick escape to a more exciting destination beyond the Beltway.

This year, rather than scattering to Manhattan or some other hip locale, it seems all of political Washington is relocating to Iowa, where the current daytime temperature hovers around freezing.

With the Democratic and Republican caucuses moved up to Jan. 3 – rather than Jan. 19, as it was in 2004 – there will be far more newspaper reporters, television producers, bloggers and assorted media personalities roaming the streets of Des Moines this New Year’s.

But will the BlackBerrys get switched off long enough to enjoy dinner and a few glasses of champagne?"

"MSNBC’s Tucker Carlson told Politico that he has a “philosophical commitment to dinner” on the road, and has done so whether reporting from Beirut, Baghdad or New Hampshire.

“You don’t want to be a worker bee,” Carlson said. “You don’t want to become a nasty little careerist like some people.”

Carlson said he’s planning a New Year’s Day dinner with friends, perhaps at the famous 801 Steak and Chop House (801 Grand Ave.)."

"For those not privileged (or lucky?) enough to have received an invite to Carlson’s dinner, Carrie Giddins and Mary Tiffany, communications directors for the Iowa Democratic and Republican Parties, respectively, have organized the Raucous before the Caucus."

_______________

So I have sent away to try and get on the list for "Raucous before the Caucus" and will try and make reservations for 801 Steak & Chop House. There is a Huckabee reception New Year's Eve as well.

My goal is to get two candids of other candidates, two candids of TV pundits (preferably Carlson and Chris Matthews), and snap shots of other well known political operatives. I also hope to have multiple conversations in coffee shops and hotel lobbies across Des Moines. Stay tuned for the inside scoop.