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January 23, 2005
‘West Wing’ to portray caucus
By Ed Tibbetts
Quad-City Times
Iowa’s political junkies don’t have to wait another three years for the Iowa Caucuses.
They’ll come to national television Wednesday night as the NBC program “The West Wing” airs an episode that incorporates the state’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses and prominently features an Iowa City restaurant.
An episode to air next week, called “King Corn,” will feature the show’s Vice President Robert Russell (played by Gary Cole) giving a speech at the Iowa Corn Growers Expo, followed by two rivals, played by Jimmy Smits and Alan Alda.
The program is regularly broadcast in the Quad-City region at 8 p.m. Wednesday by KWQC-TV.
None of the show was shot in the state, but there is one real Iowa site that will be portrayed: The Hamburg Inn No. 2. About a month ago, the show’s producers contacted the Hamburg and sent a script.
“It just kind of came out of the blue,” said Dave Panther, the owner.
Iowa City landmark
The restaurant, a 57-year-old diner locally famous for its fresh ground hamburgers and breakfasts, captured national attention a year ago when it hosted a “coffee bean caucus.”
During the runup to the Democratic caucus, diners were given coffee beans to place in a jar for their favorite candidate.
The gimmick caught the attention of the national news media — and of “The West Wing” producers. Martin Sheen, who plays President Josiah Bartlet on the program, went to the Hamburg while he was in the state campaigning for Howard Dean.
A publicity agent for “The West Wing” could not be reached for comment Friday.
The Hamburg Inn has been frequented by politicians for years. Presidents Reagan and Clinton both visited. Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack has been there, and U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa, is a customer. When former Democratic candidate Wesley Clark came to Iowa amid speculation he would run for president, he stopped by the place, too.
There used to be several stores, but the only one remaining is No. 2, located at 214 N. Linn St.
“They told us not to divulge the whole story line, but basically there will be an outside shot and a couple shots inside,” Panther said. The restaurant sent pictures, a copy of its logo and coffee mugs to help the show replicate the place.
At a time when the Democratic Party is studying its nomination system — leaving some to think the caucuses might be in danger — “The West Wing” episode probably will serve to reinforce the state’s 30-year place at the start of the line.
“We’re doing our bit,” Panther said.
The restaurant is planning a viewing party Wednesday night with “West Wing” memorabilia to be given away.
Posted by Jo at January 23, 2005 11:28 PM