Beer stand owner: Obama visit cost me $25,000

The owner of a famous beer stand at the Iowa State Fair says President Obama’s visit last night cost him as much as $25,000.

The Bud Tent, which has been serving fairgoers for 65 years, had to be shut down to the public during the presidential drop-in; patrons had to be screened and scanned before being allowed entry.

“I was in a position to make a campaign donation against my will,” said third-generation owner Mike Cunningham II to theDes Moines Register.

Cunningham, it should be noted, is a Republican.

“I wouldn’t have voted for (Obama) before,” Cunningham said. “I won’t again.”

Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, stoked the flap with a Tweet today: “How does PresO justify havin secret service shut down the bud tent @ the state fair nd the owner told me he loses 50,000 n 1 nite.”

Cunningham told the Register the loss was closer to $25,000.