All the talk surrounding the party power shift in the U.S. Congress disguised a party shift a little closer to home.

Last week, former Iowa wrestling coach Dan Gable changed from a registered Democrat to a registered Republican. The shift was made as Gable is considering a possible run at becoming the next governor of the state.

Gable has received support from the highest state Republicans and has even been encouraged by the White House to run for governor, or possibly Congress.

The people that don’t believe this wrestler has any experience in the political arena are mistaken; Gable has helped Republicans James Leach and Greg Ganske with their campaigns.

Gable is still exploring his options with regards to running for governor, and a decision is expected to be made by the end of the month as to which Republican is going to challenge Tom Vilsack in 2002.

Professional wrestlers, football players, football coaches, actors and other professions have all broken into political office; why not the greatest wrestling coach in college history?

Gable will have an advantage of name recognition and being one of the most respectable wrestling coaches of all time if he decides to make this attempt to move his residence to Terrace Hill.

No one really has any idea what type of stance Gable has on any of the issues, but the people can expect him to bring his coaching skills to perhaps his greatest match ever; Vilsack v. Gable.

Gable is going to try to give back to the state of Iowa, but how will people react to a sports legend in the political realm?

This is an excellent opportunity to show that anyone can become involved in the government. People respect Gable for his work as a wrestler and will as a politician running for office.

Politicians do not have to be people who leave a bad taste in your mouth when mentioned.

It’s nice to see a person considering a job of public service, in spite of the fact that many people believe politicians act in self-interest.

Critics will undoubtedly say a wrestling coach isn’t exactly qualified to be governor, but the true definition of a politician is someone helping the people they represent; anyone who lives in that district is actually qualified to hold political office.

People can see being a wrestling coach as giving Gable no experience for the task he may someday hold, but living his life has given him the knowledge he needs to become a politician.

Jesse Ventura, an independent from Minnesota, paved the way for people like Gable to run for political office.

Ventura wasn’t the most well-spoken individual or the most knowledgeable on the issues, but the people trusted him enough to allow him the opportunity to govern their state.

Ventura’s election in Minnesota opened people’s eyes around the country because people there were willing to take a chance on a man who was not your typical politician.

Gable, although not your typical politician, should also be given the chance if he chooses to run for governor.

Gable wouldn’t be the only great coach to try to make a transition to political office; Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, who spent many glorious years at Nebraska, became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The people of Nebraska found Osborne to be a respectable man on and off the field, just as many people will find Gable to be just that on and off the mat.

Gable will have to convince the people of Iowa he is serious about working as hard for the state as he did teaching wrestlers to pin their opponents on his way to 14 national titles.

If the next great political race is going to be Vilsack v. Gable, only time will tell, but it sure would be a good one to watch.

David Frost is a sophomore in journalism and mass communication from Des Moines.