Dogs and Politics - We're Watching You

During his campaign for Governor of Florida, Rick Scott announced that he and his family had rescued a Labrador Retriever, naming it Reagan. The dog rescue gave Mr. Scott lots of warm and fuzzy points while the dog's name garnered him positive press from his conservative base.  A month after he was elected, the dog disappeared.  When asked about it, Mr. Scott's staff as well as his wife refused to comment.

what eye thynk:    I realize that this is not the most important issue facing America today; but it does remind me that much of our election system is based on getting the theatrical aspects of a campaign just right.  Issues are important; but a well designed image is necessary if your message is going to reach the back row of the balcony.

With that in mind, lots of campaigning politicians use props to help their image.

During his successful Massachusetts Senate campaign, Republican Scott Brown drove a pickup truck as a symbol of of his hard work and rugged ideals.  "I'm Scott Brown.  I'm from Wrentham.  I drive a truck".

John McCain dragged Joe the Plumber around the country to bolster his "everyman-ness". (Okay, that one didn't work--but then he had Sarah Palin too.  Bad choice, John.  Some advice: never cast a supporting character with someone who wants to be the star.)

As for Reagan, (the four-footed one), it turns out that, shortly after Mr. Scott was elected, the dog was returned to the rescue organization in Naples from where he had been adopted borrowed.

In a recent article titled A DOG IS NOT A CAMPAIGN PROP, Steve Benen wrote:

"Scott already has a painfully low approval rating; I don't imagine this will help. 

And while it's safe to assume next year's gubernatorial race in Florida will focus on a wide variety of issues, I have a hunch we'll be hearing about Reagan's departure too. Stories like these have a way of lingering--and if you doubt that, consider whether you heard anything about Mitt Romney's Seamus over the last year."

Will the Governor of Florida be brought down by man's best friend?  I think Reagan, (either one), would approve.