The Sphinx of Elroy

Former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson announced he is launching a presidential exploratory committee after the first of the year.

He made his announcement Wednesday in Des Moines, Iowa -- the state that holds the first votes of the presidential nominating process.

He said issues such as health care and his appeal as a Midwesterner make him a potentially viable candidate.

He promises as President to spend like a drunken sailor on asphalt from sea to shining sea, and a dog track in every community in America. He then said to the farmers of Iowa, "LET'S STICK IT TO MINNESOTA!"