Little Pink Senate Chamber for John Mellencamp?

By Dino Sossi Posted Feb 19th 2010 07:51PM

John Mellencamp may ride an Internet wave of support all the way to the United States Senate. That is, if he wants it.

Over 3,500 people (and counting) have joined the "Draft John Mellencamp for Senate" Facebook group, and some prominent political analysts believe that a Mellencamp campaign could result in him replacing Indiana Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, who recently announced he will not seek re-election.

Mellencamp is a "voice for working people and a champion of farmers," stated Brent Budowsky of 'The Hill,' touting the rocker's populist credibility. "[He's] one of the great advocates of small-town America," he added.

The Indiana-born Mellencamp has already engaged in political fisticuffs with the Republican political machine, which may prove his toughness to doubters. His representatives demanded that John McCain refrain from using Mellancamp's hits 'Our Country' and 'Pink Houses' during the 2008 Presidential campaign.

Although a lack of practical experience is usually a challenge in electoral contests, recent changes in the political landscape could work in Mellencamp's favor.

"The only good news is that with the Republicans cozying up to all sorts of untested Tea Party oddballs, it would be hard for conservative pundits to engage in any of their customary celeb-bashing if Mellencamp were to actually throw his hat in the ring," writes Patrick Goldstein of the L.A. Times. "In politics, this is the year of the amateur," he adds, although he does have doubts about Mellencamp's electability. Katrina vanden Heuvel, an editor of 'The Nation,' believes that Democrats need a "populist candidate" like Mellencamp to keep Bayh's seat in the Republican-leaning state of Indiana

Representatives for Mellencamp could not be reached for comment.

Other famous Hoosiers that could make the run for Senate include David Letterman, Larry Bird, wrestler-author Mick Foley, David Lee Roth and La Toya Jackson.

Mellencamp, 58, is beloved for his rootsy, heartland rock that focuses on issues like poverty, politics, racism and mortality. He has earned over 22 Top 40 hits and sold over 40 million albums worldwide. He co-founded 'Farm Aid' to highlight the plight of family farmers and to raise money to allow them to remain on their land. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2008.

Tags: farm aid, john mellencamp

Comments

(90)

Saturday 20 February

By srsnakes

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Mellencamp would make a great Senator. We need people like him to ensure that big business doesn't dictate law and policy.

In November, 2010, we will see the 100,000 or so Teabaggers vote....and lose.

By Ron

Can't we get any real people to run? I'm sick of the Hollywood,sports,music people running because they think they know better than the regular folk. Most of them are progressive idiots who know nothing. Give me a break!

Sunday 21 February

By tom

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right on ron.the problem is hollywood thinks they are difference makers.and the bigger problem is that poor saps actualy listen to them.hey hollywood make movies not policy.you are boring us to death.

By lvizbded

Yeah man run for the senate,lol. Maybe you can get the endorcment from the penis of the democratic party Keith Olberman,if he is not to busy throwing his poo.

By Hard Facts

Could they at least find someone that is not already collecting SSI...and someone that had a hit past 1987? Lord he was 40 something back then. Far as Bruce same thing...it's like the supper bowl can we get someone that last hit was 20 to 30 years in the past..And I grew up with these guys..but far as politics...PLEASE! Give me a break...A show from the 80s that some of you might remember too. :)

By Grandmom

Good Lord, when are the Liberals going to wise up. The country wants a moderate, ok on social issues, tough on terrorist, a conservative on budget and spending and NO TAX INCREASES. He is not qualified to be in the Senate. Look at that idiot and creep that got voted in, Frankin...what a crook, classless creep. Enough already. O'Binden is a socialist and a Marxist. Get the liberals out of the government once and for all. They had their 15 mins. of fame and blew it. And you all know thats true.

By mark turner

Sad that half the country looks to the inspirations of Leonardo, Kate et al. for their plitical views ain't it?

You said it Tom. These clowns are not difference makers their just takers. They take from this great country and then try to burn it to the ground with their hate. I'm glad, by reading these posts,that most see through these clowns. Screw the Dems and Repubs, just give me someone who has the balls to tell us the truth and be in office for the good of this country and not himself or his cronies.

By Debra S.

So cheezy stars who were only born in IN are automatically qualified to run as the Demo nominee for Senator? I actually live in IN and I'm a Demo, and though John M's music is great and he has done a lot of good work through Farm Aid, he is simply far to liberal for most Hoosiers. Plus, as someone with zero actual experience, he would be eaten alive by Washington. Believe that someone has already been named ... a relatively new congressman from Evansville, IN ... and someone who is more conservative (in a moderate Demo way) than Evan Bayh ... you might want to read something besides entertainment news!?!

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