by Angela Ellis

The affair started back in the spring. First came the staffers, then the volunteers, the press and finally the candidates themselves. They wined and dined Iowans, showed them a good time — Oprah, Kevin Bacon . . . even Chuck Norris. And when caucusers finally put out . . . the good word for their chosen candidate, not 24 hours passed before the presidential hopefuls moved on to the next conquest in New Hampshire.

Oh, sure, there were the "Let's keep in touch" moments as candidates thanked Iowans for the good time, but let's face it, Iowa's off the radar again. Larry Hejtmanek, director of a Des Moines mental health center says that the people most active during straw poll season are disappointed when the process moves on: "It's all over . . . you have a normal letdown."

But most Iowans — especially those who weren't among the chosen few who caucused- are saying good riddance. Here's a video of Jason Walsmith, the lead singer of the Des Moines rock band, The Nadas, performing "Get Outta Our Town: Caucus Lament."