Hey Marc,
I like your approach. As I recall, Thad Cochran chairs that committee. My Senator is the Ranking Member though, and we can get support from other members of that committee, especially in view of the controversy surrounding the budget proposed by President Bush. In this environment every member of the appropriations committee will be scrambling to save their pet pig. Nothing is sacred! So, in order to be able to tell the folks back home their pet pig wasn't sacrificed, they will be more than willing to axe Smithsonian's allocation.
 I also agree that #3 should go to the Floyd County Museum next. It is the place where it was built, and Iowa is the state where it spent its entire working life. I consider this museum to be capable to provide for proper climate control, fire protection, theft prevention, as well as other security issues. As this is all in place already. As to the other applicant, I am not so sure, but have driven past it, and have my questions.
Take care!!!
Andy