The message of “Marty for Mayor” is to first bring attention to voters that voting is very important and that voters should always turn out on Election Day and to second spark the interest of children and young adults to participate in a free democracy through their future voting efforts. A children’s book is in the works to document “Marty” and her adventures into politics.
posted by "Marty for Mayor™" @ 6:56 AM
The votes are in and tallied, and Marty the Golden Retriever is looking, well, golden.
The 5-year-old dog, owned by Bill Johns, ran for mayor of Knox County, Tenn., in the Aug. 3 election. According to Greg McKay of the Knox County Election Commission, Marty received some write-in votes, but not enough to upset incumbent Mike Ragsdale.
Marty's goal was to become mayor of her town one day, but this year she simply wanted to motivate everyone to get out and vote, says Johns, who lives in Farragut. Turnout in past Knox County elections had slipped to less than 20 percent, he says.
Marty's pro-dog platform included imposing citywide no-cat zones, free bones for dogs, and opposition to any kind of “ball tax. Marty's supporters vowed to run a clean campaign, going so far as to give the dog a bath during a campaign stop.
posted by "Marty for Mayor™" @ 2:49 PM
... A bone in every cupboard
Politics isn't for everyone. It's a dirty game where biting the hand that feeds you is almost a given. In fact, you could end up in the doghouse pretty quickly as a politician. Strange that you don't see more dogs running for public office.
Well, there is at least one canine throwing her leash in the ringworm this election season. Her name is Marty, and she wants to be your mayor. Check out her campaign headquarters at this Web site.
Marty claims to be a 35-year-old female pooch who calls Knox County her home. And it sounds like she's ready for the job.
She says in her campaign literature that she is "running for mayor in your community or a community near you, as I am eligible in all communities. Vote for me in the coming election if you think I can do a better job than the mayoral incumbent or candidate(s) in your community. I promise as your next mayor that I will be 'your best friend.'"
Marty's site will introduce you to her campaign and a flurry of furry media appearances. You'll also find her platform, which includes such promises as no-cat zones, more dog days of summer, increased puppy-obedience training, and a jobs-for-dogs program.
posted by "Marty for Mayor™" @ 2:41 PM
Born just outside of Tennessee in Virginia, 2'3" tall, blonde, brown eyes (with long eye-lashes), "Princess" personality, athletic, loves to travel, loves to eat, currently in relationship of 28 years, lives in Knox County (TN). ©2005-2006 Bluewater, LLC
