Hatch Scat Fever Mystery Solved

So state Sen. Jack Hatch, D-Des Moines, formally joined the 2014 race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination Monday. Curiously, he made his announcement in a weedy vacant lot in Des Moines, which had been visited by animals.

Hatch hopes to be No. 1, but those animals left some No. 2.

This did not go unnoticed by Hatch's aides, and the ever-vigilant media.

The Des Moines Register's fine political columnist Kathie Obradovich, prompted by joking Hatch aide John Hedgecoth, provided visual evidence on Twitter:

— Kathie Obradovich (@KObradovich) September 16, 2013

This is a significant development in the race for governor (no it is not) so it's important that we get to the bottom of it. (No it really isn't.)

So I sent a link to the Twitter pic to Iowa State University Extension Wildlife Specialist Rebecca Christoffel. She delivered a swift verdict, via email:

So there you have it, folks. Mystery solved. You're welcome, Iowa.

Now, what steps do the candidates favor to address the state's urban deer problem? I'm not sure, but this much is certain, they should look before they step.