Culver's First Punch

Here comes the lug. It's so on. Gov. Chet Culver will hit the road Wednesday to tout a state-funded preschool program opposed by all three Republicans running into today's primary.

Cedar Rapids is among his stops:

Governor Culver to Announce Expanding Preschool Attendance

Governor will make stops in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Quad City area tomorrow

DES MOINES – Governor Culver will announce Wednesday, June 9, a substantial expansion of the voluntary preschool program in the state of Iowa. A schedule of visits the Governor will make to preschools in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities area is below.

MEDIA NOTE: These will be informal events. The Governor will be meeting with preschoolers on his visits, and then will be available for interviews with you explaining the progress of the statewide program. The events should make for some good visuals.

WHAT: Governor Culver will visit with 3- and 4-year-old preschool students at Waypoint Uptown Kids Child Development Center.

WHERE:Waypoint Uptown Kids Child Development Center

318 Fifth Street S.E.

Cedar Rapids, IA

WHEN: 11:15 a.m.

I chuckled at the media note. I think most of us know how photo ops work.

This is a smart start for Culver. No matter which Republican comes out on top tonight, this is chance for him to draw a sharp a contrast.

Terry Branstad, Bob Vander Plaats and Rod Roberts would each eliminate this program, which provides high-quality preschool to thousands of 4-year olds. Culver signed it into law, following up on efforts by Gov. Tom Vilsack.

For all his problems, this is a good issue for Culver. Education is important in this state, and the idea that you'd dismantle a popular program that, by all accounts, is working well, deserves some explaining. And that's what the GOP nominee will  be asked to do on opening day.