Have you heard the one about Rusty DeWees running for Congress?
No, seriously.
In recent weeks, the actor and comedian better known to Vermonters as “the Logger” has been talking up the notion that he might run for public office — potentially for the U.S. House seat currently held by Congressman Peter Welch, a four-term Democrat from Norwich.
Asked last week whether he indeed harbored political ambitions, DeWees was circumspect — peppering his answers with plenty of “ifs,” “coulds” and “mights.” But he certainly didn’t labor to put the rumors to rest.
“I’m all over the state. Literally, it’s basically a 17-year campaign,” the Elmore resident said of his comedy career. “I feel that people don’t come to my shows anymore because I’m funny. I feel they come because they know me. And [running for office] would put me in a position to help all these people. So that’s what’s intriguing about the thought of that.”
He added, “If I get five calls a week as an entertainer, how many calls would I get if I were a congressman or senator or dog catcher or fence viewer?”
So what office does the Logger covet?
DeWees said he’s unlikely to run for the U.S. Senate, acknowledging that it’d be mighty tough to beat Sens. Patrick Leahy or Bernie Sanders (“But jeezum crow,” he said, “they could pass away in their chair.”). Nor is he interested in running for governor (“I think the governor thing seems like it’s less my speed than being part of a larger group. You’re not really representing Vermonters. You’re making decisions for them.”)
What about the U.S. House?
“If I was taking a big bite, that would be it,” DeWees said. “But return to what I said: It could be dog catcher. It could be anything.”
Okay, got it. Dude might run for some kind of office, someday. Maybe. So why are we writing about him again?
Well, our phone interview with DeWees took place last Friday. By Monday he was appearing on WCAX’s evening interview show, “The :30,” to talk about… running for office.
At least, that’s what co-anchor Kristin Carlson wanted to talk about.
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On his best day I find his shtick tiresome.
This has to be a joke. Not to diminish the guy by the character he plays, but seriously, public office based upon what experience? His character is that memorable either and gets old pretty fast. The amusing thing is the fanfare that WGOP paid to the AH SHUCKS announcement. At this point Vermont has great representation in DC that tries to bridge the gap in the Senate and House. I would love to see this ????? in a primary….now THAT would be comedy…..
True, being a comic actor doesn’t make him qualified for any statewide office. On the other hand, we’ve got 180 mostly unqualified schmoes in the legislature, give or take a few, making all our laws.
Former Mayor Pete took his campaign for Gov. to the correctional facilities and he didn’t end up as Gov. Rusty could be the next Fred Tuttle, a folk hero but not really a serious candidate!