[I love how the Register touts this obvious conflict of interest on the front page. I don't care that Vilsack does the I-Cubs play by play on the radio, but when Christy Vilsack can call up the owner of the I-Cubs (who inexplicably is also the Board of Regents President) and ask that he be given a chance to do play by play for a Christmas present doesn't that clue you in to the chummy relationship they have? In a typcial business enviornment would this type of thing be frowned upon? Yet it's idiots like this who rail about "corporate scandals" and attempt to pile on the regulations. Let them suffer through the 8 hours of web tutorials I have to complete to make politicans feel better about their asinine laws
I heard for Father's Day Christie called Bob Bowlsby and said that Tom has always wanted to call plays for the Hawkeyes and would that be ok?
Not that Michael Gartner, the deified owner of the I-Cubs has ever had any problem with questionable ethical practices. On top of all it you have the Register gaily putting this story on the front page. Rest assured according to Nancy Clark they can be trusted due to their journalistic ethos strict professional guidelines SO SHUT UP !]
Vilsack to be voice of I-Cubs for night
REGISTER STAFF WRITER
August 6, 2005
For at least nine innings, Iowa's issues with education, budgets, waterways and employment will have to wait in the on-deck circle.Gov. Tom Vilsack will trade meetings for a microphone Monday when he handles play-by-play radio coverage of the Iowa Cubs triple-A baseball game against Las Vegas at Principal Park.Michael Gartner, majority owner of the Iowa Cubs, said first lady Christie Vilsack arranged the night as a gift last Christmas."She said to me, 'You know, he would really like to broadcast a game. Could he do that?' " Gartner said. "I said, 'Sure.' She said, 'Can I give that to him as a Christmas present?' "
The game, which will be carried in central Iowa on KXNO-AM (1460), begins at 7:05 p.m.There's been no discussion about equal time for Republican versions of ground balls and base-running strategies."I made him a certificate good for doing one radio game for the Iowa Cubs - under three conditions," Gartner said. "He could not mention the Pittsburgh Pirates (his favorite team), he had to speak favorably of the Chicago Cubs, and he had to speak glowingly about the Iowa Cubs management."
On Tuesday morning, Vilsack transitions from baseball responsibilities to a more traditional duty - visiting a biodiesel plant.Iowa Cubs general manager Sam Bernabe, though, said team announcer Deene Ehlis has taken notice about the possible career change."Deene is very nervous," Bernabe said.