1. Hank
The son of a single mother who also spent time on death row -- does that not scream politician sob story? Hank the cat scratched his way into the Virginia senate race by promising a focus on job creation if he makes it to DC. The power-hungry kitty’s official campaign website details what makes Hank the perfect choice for Congress: “Hank is a refreshing candidate -- energetic, inspiring, and real. Unlike so many others, he wasn’t born with a “silver spoon” -- but earned his success and his name through hard work.” Hank will have to defeat George Allen, Tim Kaine and the distraction of laser pointers if he hopes to have a chance in November. Image courtesy of Hank for Senate
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Tuning into the political dogfight playing out between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney might have you wishing a muzzle could put an end to the verbal scrapping. Unfortunately, with less than a month left until the election, not even a rabies shot could quiet down the race. That's not the case in every election though.
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Dogs -- and cats, chimpanzees and beer-drinking goats -- have tossed their leashes into the politics ring. While the White House still hasn't gone to the dogs, so to speak, animals have nabbed high-ranking positions in city governments and made runs for Congress.
We offer a mental break from the presidential race with profiles of 12 animals that had political ambitions. Take a flip through the gallery above for our favorite partisan puppies and constitutional kitties.
Thumbnail courtesy of iStock, jtyler
This story originally published on Mashable here.