I remember a few campaign cycles back when a Democrat named Donna Smith ran against Congressman Jim Nussle. Smith would repeatedly refer to him at public events as "Jimmy Nussle" and I recall how GOP types were outraged by her "lack of respect."
Well, Congressman Nussle is taking a page from Donna Smith’s playbook in the first two days of the general election campaign. Nussle does not refer to his opponent as "Secretary Culver" but as "Chet Culver" — and in at least two instances has referred to him as just "Chet" when making statements to reporters.
Chet — I hope you’ll allow me to refer to him by his first name — did refer to his opponent as "Congressman Nussle" and "Jim Nussle" in statements made over the past two days. Perhaps a measure of the heat of this race will be if Culver lets loose with a "Jimmy" somewhere down the line.
About O.Kay Henderson
Kay is a founding member of the Radio Iowa network newsroom. In 1994, she became the network’s news director. She’s a featured reporter and commentator on Iowa Public Television’s “Iowa Press,” and the 2002 recipient of the Shelley Award.
If Nussle was calling Culver “Chettie,” then I could see your comparison. I think you’re overreaching here.
I think Nussle should call him Chester, but that’s just me.
If I were Culver I would call him “Republican Congressman Nussle” every single time. That’s about the biggest insult you can give him.