And The Speedo Senator From Maine Has The Floor

I was just thinking how a part of me was missing national election season. The foibbles of madcap politicians make for such wonderful fodder. Well lucky for me and you, thanks to the constant internet news feed of scandals, even local elections are subject to discussion. Most recently we have Eric Brakey from quaint New England Maine who is running for a seat in state Senate and a video has surfaced of him dancing in his speedo.

The video has been called "embarrassing" and "scandalous" but its not like it's some kinky personal youtube video or vine, it is footage from a national commercial for Vita Coco that he, and several other men doing a samba in their speedos, were in two years ago back when he was living in NYC trying to be an professional actor.
Oh god! If commercials are an embarrassing scandal, I should just go ahead and rule out a career in politics.

Yep that's me "acting" in one of the dozens of crappy commercials I've done. I guess at least I'm clothed in that argile sweater and not sporting a speedo......

Anyway, Brakey, who is currently the chairman of the Defense of Liberty PAC, doesn't think this should affect his political ambitions. He said, "that's my background.....when I was working professionally in New York City this was a real fun, wonderful opportunity doing a commercial for a national brand." And despite working on a campaign, he still has found the time to continue his passion for acting and prancing as he has been in several community theatre productions. Honestly, the world needs more tap dancing senators singing show tunes.
I was surprised though to learn that Brakey is a conservative Republican-something you just don't find in the theatre world too often. And now it makes sense why this video of the commercial was unleashed by Mike Hein, a former employee of the Christian Civic League in Maine with the snarky commentary "Well, well, well. If it isn't Mr. "Family Values Matter" state Senate candidate himself flamboyantly prancing around in his underwear."

Oh those Christian conservatives.........sigh. I'm too tired to even engage on that.

But basically, what we have here is a Republican actor turned politician

Eric Brakey

Remember good ol' Ronnie Reagan? It's like what the wise Doc Brown realized in Back to the Future- "no wonder your president is an actor, he has to look good on television." And Reagan did his fair share of embarrassing acting-he co-starred with a chimp in a flick called "Bedtime for Bonzo" before becoming the leader of the free world.
So I predict some interesting things for our young samba dancing senatorial candidate.  Look, he already is gaining national attention for himself and the quiet New England hamlet of Maine. When was the last time Maine was in the news let alone for a man in a speedo? In case you haven't been, Maine ain't P-Town. So alright Brakey, you have our attention, now let's see what you do with your second act.

Call SVU-Another Republican is talking Rape

Republican Pennsylvania Senate Candidate Tom Smith is also a candidate for the worst pro-life statement ever said. And that is impressive given what Todd Akin said last week.
Here's what happened. An Associated Press reporter was interviewing the Tea Party endorsed candidate and discussing his pro-life stance. Smith was asked “How would you tell a daughter or a granddaughter who, God forbid, would be the victim of a rape, to keep the child against her own will? Do you have a way to explain that?” Smith responded  "I lived something similar to that with my own family. She chose life, and I commend her for that. She knew my views. But, fortunately for me, I didn’t have to.. she chose they way I thought. No don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t rape." When the reporter, who I am sure was confused and appalled, managed to squeak out, "Similar how?" To which Smith smoothly answered, "Uh, having a baby out of wedlock."
That's right. This genius just compared having a baby out of wedlock to rape ladies. Yeah illegitimate rape, illegitimate baby....totally the same thing.
These republicans sure have weird opinions on what rape is. Maybe they should cozy up on the couch and watch a good long marathon of Law and Order: SVU so they can get a somewhat better grip on what exactly it is before they make us all legitimate victims of their stupidity.

Also, if you want to read a great editorial on the whole Akin controversy, check out this in the New York Times by columnist Maureen Dowd.