07/01/2002

Dog Runs As Write-In Candidate Against Katherine Harris

Link

http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/V138/

SARASOTA -- The newest candidate challenging Secretary of State Katherine Harris in her bid for Congress is truly an underdog: a border collie mix.

Percy the dog is running as a write-in candidate in the Republican primary, said his owner and campaign manager, Wayne Genthner.

Genthner is offering up his canine candidate as both satire and as a protest against the political establishment.

"No one has a realistic expectation that a dog can get elected," Genthner said. "But plenty of people will be willing to vote for a dog to represent their discontent with the political system."

Percy and his volunteer campaign staff have been shaking paws and handing out flyers, with slogans including: "Never made a mess in the House! Never will!" and "PERCY! Putting the LICK back into Republican."

His official campaign bio describes Percy as a compassionate conservative who takes a hard-line with social parasites, particularly fleas and worms. His past is free of sex scandals, due to "timely neutering."

Harris, who faces one Republican challenger and five Democrats for the open congressional seat, is not concerned.

Percy "has a lot of paws to shake to catch up," said campaign spokeswoman Jessica Furst.

(AP)

-- Anonymous, July 05, 2002