It seems there is nothing Republicans and Democrats can agree on, but one pint-sized Minnesota mayor is campaigning on a platform that even the most politically polarized Americans can get behind.
Dorset, Minnesota Mayor Bobby Tufts is rolling out a fierce pro-ice cream agenda as he seeks re-election this August. “Chocolate. And vanilla. Strawberry. Cotton candy-kind. And rainbow sherbet," the mayor said.
The fedora-clad 4-year-old is nearing the end of his first term ruling over the tiny Northern Minnesota town which touts itself as “the restaurant capital of the world.” Dorset—which has a population of 28 (22 if the minister’s family is out of town) is home to four restaurants—which might actually be the most per capita anywhere. (All of which are ice-cream friendly establishments.)
Bobby was just 3-years-old when he clutched the mayorship last August.
Now, he’s going for another term.
Dorset does not have a formal system of government. Instead, the town selects its mayor each year by drawing a name out of a box at its annual Taste of Dorset Festival.
Residents of Dorset can toss as many votes as they wish into the several ballot boxes scattered around town—with a $1 dollar donation per vote, of course.
Mayor Bobby will draw the winning name on August 4 this year. And since there are no term limits, it’s entirely possible that the young, pro-ice cream mayor could draw his own name.
No formal polling has been conducted, the mayor seems to enjoy a high approval rating, especially from his mother. “He's been pretty good. Lotta PR for the town," Emma Tufts told the Associated Press. "I think he's doing a fine job."
It’s unclear whether the town’s newspaper, The Dorset Daily Bugle (which, despite its name, is only published once a year “whether there’s news or not”) has endorsed a candidate. But an informal endorsement from the county sheriff can’t hurt.
“I think he's a cute little bugger,” Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes told the Associated Press. He's got a very good little personality, and he's not afraid to show it.”
With Washington politicians behaving like kindergartners in at sandbox brawl, perhaps Bobby Tufts can teach them the rules of the game.
