This weeks Civic Skinny 12/.07/.05

[Debi]

While gubernatorial candidate Mike Blouin's group is saying that the Chet Culver committee shouldn't ice down the champagne just yet, the latest poll results showing Culver as being an overwhelming favorite to take on Republican Jim Nussle next November has started somewhat of an exodus, according to a source close to the Culver campaign. "We're going in two very different directions," our source said. "This is our race to lose. The people and the money are coming in." And while the long list to represent the Democrats won't start being whittled down until the union's make their play later this month and the January money numbers are in, political experts are saying that Culver - once thought to be too aloof and inexperienced to win the state's highest office - has clearly gotten his act together. "He has his confidence and he looks good. He is God, mom and apple pie." A source close to Blouin (who has been noticeably absent at a half-dozen or so recent gatherings for those seeking the position) told us, "Those polls are bullshit. It's name recognition. We'll buy ours when the time is right." But another source told us, "the campaign has imploded. It all came to a head Monday," when Matt Paul, one of Gov. Tom Vilsack's top aides, who has a history with Blouin, took over the campaign.

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