by Jason George
AMES, Iowa – Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee traded talking points for bass notes today, when his band “Capitol Offense” took the stage at the Iowa Straw Poll.
The music blared rock-n-roll hits of yesteryear like “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Mustang Sally,” and there was no mistaking the event for Chicago’s Lollapalooza.
For example, a man up front waved a sign that read “Defeat Hillary Clinton and Jane Fonda.”
An Elvis impersonator, in a blue jumpsuit, jumped on stage and joined the band for a thumping rendition of “Johnny B. Goode.” But the Elvis character made it clear he was in Iowa to support Rep. Duncan Hunter of California, not Huckabee.
“Elvis or not vote Huckabee!” the governor exclaimed.
Huckabee formed “Capitol Offense” around 1993 when he was lieutenant governor, and the band is made up mostly of former staff members. “We were sitting around and realized that we could all play instruments,” said Chris Pyle, the band’s drummer.
That’s Huckabee on the bass. Jason George photo.Since then, the band has opened for Charlie Daniels, Grand Funk Railroad and performed at one of George Bush’s inauguration parties. There is no doubt Huckabee would like the band to play at a presidential event in his honor.
Benjamin Sherman of West Des Moines plays bass, but that’s not why he supports Huckabee.
“I could give him some bass pointers,” the 28 year old said delicately.
“Instead I look at what Huckabee says about abortion – we’re both against it – taxes and defense,” said Sherman, who said he served a year in Iraq with the Iowa National Guard.
Huckabee concedes the band’s not ready for a headliner slot just yet.
“That’s why I need you to go vote now,” he joked to the crowd, ” before we play.”
