The Freedom to Cast Your Vote
Carmen Ghia
Resident Voter
Registration Solicitor

An Elvis impersonator wearing a red jump suit has filed for office as the running mate of a gubernatorial candidate seeking Minnesota's GOP nomination.

A spokesman for Minnesota's secretary of state says Todd "Elvis" Anderson hopes to be certified on the primary ballot, running for the position of lieutenant governor alongside Ole Savior, a perennial office seeker.

Minnesota law forbids improper names and requires candidates to sign a statement vouching for their ballot name as the one by which they are "commonly and generally known in the community."

Secretary of State spokesman John Aiken said that officials didn't think the nickname would give Anderson an unfair advantage.

State Rep. Tom Emmer and running mate Annette Meeks have the Republican endorsement in the race.

Hey, wait a minute! Isn't this the same state that elected a former pro wrestler as governor? It wouldn't be the first time a "public figure" was sworn into office. Many state officials have been former pro athletes, body builders, popular singers and even Hollywood actors... as in a recent president, and a current State Governor, for example. It should not be at all surprising that an Elvis impersonator would join the ranks.

There are few limitations to running for a political office. You have to be old enough, must have been a resident in the area you're representing for more than four years, and more importantly must be an American citizen.

That means, if you have conviction and feel you could raise enough money to campaign, almost anyone could run for public office-even me. That's it. Leadership ability does not require you to have a formal education or a blue-blood family pedigree.

For whom you cast your vote should depend solely on who you feel best represents your views on political issues. If a guy wearing a pompadour hairstyle and tight-fitting clothes with sequins has a political platform that appeals to you, then by all means, cast your vote.



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