Brownback's Manning Reference to Wisconsin Audience Draws Boos

Senator and presidential hopeful Sam Brownback, who earlier this year drew fire from the National Association for the Constitutional Rights of Illegal Aliens (NACRIA) for having his last name, has found himself on the defensive yet again after committing another unforgivable act earlier this week.

At the Wisconsin Republican Party convention, Brownback chose to use a football analogy to discuss the need to focus on families. "This is fundamental blocking and tackling," he said. "This is your line in football. If you don't have a line, how many passes can Peyton Manning complete? Greatest quarterback, maybe, in NFL history."

The statement was met immediately with boos, groans, and a few confused looks from people expecting Brownback to continue his discussion on zone-blocking schemes. As Brownback's campaign manager informed him of the Wisconsin state law that prohibits positive comments from being made about any non-Green Bay Packer player, the Kansas Senator attempted to salvage any support he could from both of the people who hadn't stormed out in disgust. Slumping over at the podium, and with his head buried in his hands, Brownback said, "That's really bad. That will go down in history. I apologize."

The heartfelt apology drew a little laughter and even less applause, after which Brownback continued his recovery attempt by saying that former Packers' quarterback Bart Starr may be the greatest of all time. But unfortunately for Brownback, the damage had already been done.

"He was in trouble as soon as he opened his mouth," said a Wisconsin native in attendance. "I probably would've voted for him, but not anymore; we don't take kindly to candidates who don't acknowledge the omnipotence of the Packers."

"I can't believe I took my child to that speech," said another observer, "I had no idea he was going to say such filth; I just hope my son isn't too traumatized."

But even the Bart Starr comment wasn't enough to win back the crowd. "Let's take Favre then," Brownback continued, "The Packers are great. I'm sorry. How many passes does he complete without a line?"