When you have a rat problem, you get a cat. Two residents of Xalapa, Mexico (the capital city of Veracruz state) hope that this works in politics as well as in kitchens. That’s why they have put forward their own candidate – a cat – to run for mayor in the beleaguered city that has been plagued with corrupt politicians, known colloquially as “rats.”
Morris, the feline candidate’s name, is running with the campaign slogan of “Xalapa Without Rats.” He has a Facebook page and Twitter account and promises to “rid the city of rats,” a local euphemism for corrupt politicians, if he wins. Morris also promises to do what other politicians do, namely sleep and do nothing. “Candidates here almost never fulfill their promises,” said Jair Cuevas, one of the students who came up with the Morris campaign. “Our candidate promises to sleep, eat, yawn and play in the dirt and that is what he will do if he wins the election.” Morris is forthcoming about his weaknesses, though, having a soft spot for “quilts, sheets, pillows, couches, and clothing in general,” Metro reports.
(MORE: Cat Bandit Smuggles Cellphones into Russian Prison)
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, according to a CNN iReport, Morris now has more likes on his Facebook page than three out of the four main mayoral candidates in the running, including besting Americo Zuñiga, who is currently the human frontrunner, by over 20,000 “likes.” Morris is expected to overcome the fourth candidate soon.
Unfortunately, according to ABC News, Morris will not be allowed on the ballot in Xalapa. Due to this hurdle, come election day on July 7th, Morris’ campaign staff are asking voters to write-in his name on the ballot, or draw the face of a cat, in order to send a message to the city’s politicians.
