Rise of Animals In American Politics

In towns all across America, human politicians are being replaced by animals.

Sometimes, a cat holds mayoral office. But other critters are also running and winning. Given the pointless gridlock at the national level, average citizens are finding better solutions:

"In Rabbit Hash, Ky., a Border Collie named Lucy Lou defeated 10 dogs, a cat, a possum, a jackass and even one human to become the town's third animal mayor—all dogs—since 1998, says Bobbi Kayser, the current mayor's owner. The community of about 100 began electing animals as a way to raise money for upkeep of its historic buildings, charging a dollar a vote for as many votes as people wanted to make. About $22,000 was raised in the last election in 2008.

"It's like politics anywhere, but we're just more honest about it," says Ms. Kayser, 55."

The recent ridiculous shutdown effort took quite a toll, and the critters seized the day:

"The garden has been overtaken by squirrels, as well as the "newly arrived fox now making a home at the White House."