MN License Plate

My buddy Jonathan Lawrence (http://jonathanlawrence.net) asked me to redesign the Minnesota license plate.
I know I've always wanted a flat black plate with dark gray Helvetica left justified (kerned tight but not touching). But what fun would that be?
I decided to try something with a ton of personality and Minnesotan to the core. This has a Paul and Babe theme with midwest design aesthetic.
It's a work in progress so I'd love any feedback:
Should it be more simple?
Is the Paul and Babe theme lost?
Is the plaid to distracting?
Do you like the font choices?
Thanks!