Before the big event, the Herald received a phone call from Holly Richardson, campaign manager for Hatch’s opponent, Dan Liljenquist. She thought we might be interested to know that a guy in a chicken costume was going to go into the park and challenge Hatch to debate. Liljenquist doesn’t think Hatch is cooperating properly and has been using every opportunity to harp on the subject.

So, yes, the Herald was interested in the possible feathers and fisticuffs and assigned photographer Spenser Heaps to shadow Hatch at Trafalga. Heaps followed the Hatch entourage around. He waited and waited. No chicken. Then he waited some more. Still nothing. Finally, he gave up and left the park. Lo, and behold, there hanging out in the parking lot with an anti-Hatch sign was the chicken. Heaps got pictures and talked to the guy in the suit.

“Why didn’t you go in and challenge him?” The big bird replied: “Too chicken.”

Some would call this being Lily-livered.