WHO isn't just a Des Moines radio station

By Rick Pearson

AMES, Iowa—In the midst of the tents, children's inflatable rides, T-shirts, barbecue sandwiches and crowds, there is an area devoted to the quixotic presidential campaign of Chicago businessman John Cox.

But while crowds plied into the adjoining tents of better known Republican contends, five people sat beneath a small tent for Cox campaign, surrounding a lone and lonely snow cone machine.

The Cox area also had a fake hot air balloon with a banner promoting his candidacy.

In a speech to straw poll attendees, where he was greeted with polite applause, Cox assailed the career politicians of Washington.

"A lot of the people that you and I helped elect and send to Washington forgot what they promised," Cox said inside Hilton Coliseum. "I've had enough of career politicians who tell me one thing when they're running for office and when they get there, do something completely different."

Still, Cox has made something of a career out of running for office—unsuccessfully. Here's a run down:

In 2005, failed in an attempt to become Illinois state Republican chairman.

In 2004, lost a general election bid for Cook County recorder.

In 2004, turned down as a replacement Republican U.S. Senate candidate.

In 2003, was named to a newly created position of "president" of the Cook County GOP.

In 2003, withdrew as a Republican U.S. Senate candidate.

In 2002, finished last in a three-man field for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination.

In 2000, finished fifth in a 10-way field for the Republican nomination for Congress in the North Shore's 10th District.