The first face I recognize on the plane to the Republican convention? Pete Wilson's. The former governor is sitting five rows ahead of me -- in your standard three-across seat in coach.

And the first face I recognize on the ground in St. Paul, at the airport? John Oliver's. The ``Daily Show'' correspondent (he's the Hugh Grant manque' English guy) is doing a standup in front of the entrance to that now-famous Twin Cities landmark, the Larry Craig Memorial Wide-Stance Airport Men's Room.

The nearly 12-year-old photo of former Gov. Pete is by the Times' Rick Meyer.