Meet the political beasts of the Northeast.
Tensions are growing feral in the quaint Vermont town of Fair Haven, where Sammy the dog is vying for the position of honorary mayor against Lincoln the goat, who’s seeking reelection.
The Nubian goat was elected in 2019 after Fair Haven’s town manager concocted the political pet plot to raise funds to fix up a community playground — as well as to get kids more interested in politics, reported The Associated Press.
“In Fair Haven, just like everywhere else, voter participation is not always as high as we want it,” explained Town Manager Joe Gunter.
Resident Cheryl Daviau said the race has gotten kids more involved in the electoral process and that her granddaughter enjoyed having her picture taken with Lincoln.
Right now, prognosticators say the race is too close to call as the incumbent tries to fend off upstart Sammy, a K-9 German shepherd.
“All the kids, they are very familiar with (Sammy),” noted her handler Fair Haven Police Sgt. Dale Kerber, who added she’s a rescue dog. “And they are always wanting her to come in and pay a visit.”
Resident Sharai Thayer is throwing her support behind Sammy.
“We’re definitely looking more forward to Sammy winning the race,” stated mother of three Thayer, who claims the dog sits inside the school as kids wander the halls.
Despite neither of Vermont’s senators, Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders, being up for reelection in November, ballot day is set for March 3 and will cost each voter $1, which will be channeled to the playground fund, according to Gunter.
