What’s for sale: pint glass and ‘Thundersticks’ go head to head

In ITK’s semi-regular feature, we present the wonderful and sometimes wacky items for sale in politicians’ online stores.

Sellers of the week: Senate candidates Eric Hovde (R) and Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)

{mosads}For sale: Set of two Hovde “thundersticks” vs. Baldwin pint glass

Price: $4 and $16

Description: In this week’s “What’s for Sale,” we’re pitting Republican Senate hopeful Eric Hovde’s noise-making thundersticks against the pint glass emblazoned with Rep. Tammy Baldwin’s  name.

Move over, vuvuzelas — by selling an inexpensive pair of the narrow plastic balloons, Hovde seems to be trying to raise the volume at rallies as he faces a heated Republican primary battle in the race for the seat of retiring Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.).

While not quite as thunderously loud, the Union-made pint glasses Democratic Senate candidate Baldwin is hawking can certainly create some major clinking sounds from supporters. Plus, they can hold a beverage of choice.

If you see a bizarre, silly or simply inexplicable item being sold by a lawmaker, let us know. Email jkurtz@digital-release.thehill.com and we’ll publish the best of the bunch.

Editor’s note: The writer’s husband was employed by Eric Hovde’s asset management firm from 2008-10.