In a posting on Sowers's Facebook page he reports that among those attending were Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels as well as cast members Seth Meyers, Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig.

The event was sponsored by the Democratic Leadership Council and hosted by former Nebraska U.S. Sen. Bob Kerrey, a Medal of Honor winner, and former New Jersey U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley. In a news release announcing the support from Kerrey and Col. Jack Jacobs, another Medal of Honor recipient, they say this about Sowers:

"Throughout his decorated career as an Army officer, our friend Tommy Sowers has exhibited the attributes of leadership that our nation so desperately needs in public life: patriotism, honesty, and strength of character. A man of action and not just words, Tommy leads by example and exemplifies the vital notions of duty and personal responsibility---both so important, yet so rare to find."

Sowers is challenging U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson in the Eighth Congressional District, which covers 28 counties in Southern and Southeastern Missouri. Begala, who is naturally biased, used his Huffington Post political blog to tout Sowers's chances in the race, which he notes could turn Rush Limbaugh's home district blue.