Whalen's officially in.

Mr. Whalen, owner of Heart of America Restaurants and Inns, made his announcement in Davenport Monday. He told supporters he would fight wasteful government spending and continue as an advocate for preserving and protecting Social Security and expanding health care through health savings accounts.

"America owes a lot to rural Iowa and I want to be an advocate for Iowa's farms and small towns like our restaurant has tried to be for 27 years," he said.

Rep. Nussle announced last week that he would seek the Republican nomination in the Iowa governor's race.

Mr. Whalen joins Bettendorf lawyer Brian Kennedy and state Rep. Bill Dix, of Shell Rock, in seeking the Republican nomination in the Congressional race.

He served with former Delaware Gov. Pete DuPont as policy chairman for the National Center for Policy Analysis which promotes free-market solutions to public policy issues.

Pretty weak rationale there from Whalen. Why should we vote for him? Because his restaurants have served rural areas. Not exactly compelling.