Texas Governor George W. Bush, his staff, his Texas Ranger guards and themedia throng invaded a Des Moines neighborhood pancake breakfast at about8:30 this morning.The pancake breakfast was a benefit for the Des Moines Public Library, andsome sponsors felt as if they’d been invaded by the Bush entourage. Bush,who’s the front-runner for the Republican party’s presidential nomination,spent about half an hour, shaking hands, signing autographs and flippingpancakes. The crowd of pancake eaters was a mix of library supporters andneighborhood residents.Drake University political science professor Hugh Weinbrenner says today’sstop is just one more example of how Bush is re-writing the rules ofpresidential campaigning in Iowa. Weinbrenner is the author of two bookswhich focus on the Iowa Caucuses. Weinbrenner stopped by the pancakebreakfast to watch the spectacle.Many of those who support Bush say they do so without knowing much aboutwhat he stands for.About a dozen protestors armed with posters showed up to criticize Bush on awide variety of fronts. Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa president JillJune was on hand. June says some Republican women are calling her because ofBush’s stance on abortion. She says the women want a pro-choice candidate.One elderly man sitting at a picnic table said he just came for thepancakes, and the Bush throng was blocking the food line.
