Politically Minded Bandits to Settle Mayoral Controversy
July 10, 2009 - Midwest League (MWL1) - Quad Cities River Bandits News Release
Let it never be said that the Quad Cities River Bandits are not working for the people of the Quad Cities.
On Friday, the River Bandits offered to settle the controversial Rock Island mayoral election through a true test of the common man: a winner-takes-all on-field competition at Modern Woodmen Park.
As the race between Dennis Pauley and David Levin has spiraled into controversy, a judge ruled on Wednesday that the voting ended in a tie and will be decided by a random drawing on July 15 by placing both candidates' names in separate envelopes and drawing the winner by choosing an envelope. In an effort to prevent the people of Rock Island from having their mayor decided by chance, the River Bandits are proposing that Pauley and Levin face off at Modern Woodmen Park for an on-field promotional battle featuring one of the River Bandits most popular on-field contests: either the Dizzy Bat Race, the John Deere Gator Race or a mano-a-mano Sumo Wrestling match. The candidate that wins the on-field contest would be rewarded by earning the right to become mayor of Rock Island.
"River Bandits fans showed during last year's Bobble-Election that they have a passion for the democratic process," said team owner Dave Heller. "The best way to see which of these two outstanding candidates would better fight for Rock Island families is to have them each suit up in sumo wrestler costumes and go at it mano-a-mano in front of 5,000 fans, and let the best man win."
In 2008, River Bandits fans resoundingly endorsed now-President Barack Obama through a Bobble-Election in which fans arriving at the ballgame had the option to enter through the left gate to receive an Obama bobblehead, or the right gate for one featuring Republican candidate John McCain. This season, politically-minded Bandits fans have turned out in force for two individual bobblehead giveaways featuring President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. While the Obama bobbleheads were distributed prior to Thursday night's game, the Clinton bobblehead giveaway was cut short by a rainout and will be resumed when the gates open at 5:30 p.m. on July 23 for a 7:00 p.m. game against West Michigan.
"The people of Rock Island are in a unique situation and we want to offer the full resources of the River Bandits to our friends and fans across the river," said Vice President and General Manager Kirk Goodman. "Every night, thousands of fans come to Modern Woodmen Park from all over our area for great family entertainment at an affordable price. The Quad Cities are full of hard-working people who deserve great political representation. If that representation is going to be decided by chance, let's at least decide it in a fashion that embodies the Quad Cities spirit and put each candidate's fate in their own hands."
UP NEXT: The homestand continues with post-game fireworks on a Fireworks Friday and an appearance from Chicago Bears great and Hall of Famer Gale Sayers. A bobblehead doll featuring Steve Dillard, Quad Cities' all-time winningest manager, will be handed out on Saturday courtesy of Mel Foster agent Keith A. Allborty, and the Rockin' Saturday also includes a post-game concert by Elvis Himselvis on Elvis Night! Fans arriving early to Sunday's game will receive the 2009 River Bandits Team Poster thanks to Swiss Valley Farms on another Tailz Er Waggin' Dog Day of Summer, also a U.S. Bank Family Sunday. Then the homestand concludes with a special 1:00 p.m. start time on Monday, a Summer Camp Day and Harry Potter Day!
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The Quad Cities River Bandits drew more than 103,000 fans in the first half of the season for only the third time in team history. Ticket sales, concessions, merchandise sales, sponsorships and even Kids' Zone revenues are all up over last season, which was one of the team's best in history! Banditwear, mini-plans, and individual game tickets are on sale for the 2009 season by calling (563) 3-BANDIT or heading to www.RiverBandits.com. But hurry - good seats are going fast!
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