Clowning Around

Alameda, California, October 4, 2006:

A real clown is running for mayor of Alameda, and even his sister won't vote for him.

Kenneth Kahn, 41, a professional joker known as "Kenny the Clown," admits he's running a long-shot campaign for City Hall's top spot. Kahn has not previously run for an elected position and has never sat on a public board.

"People ask me, 'Do we really want to elect a clown for mayor of the city?'" he said. "I say, 'That's an excellent question.'"

Kahn's sister, Sylvia Kahn, said her brother doesn't have a chance, and pen pal Ron -- a New Jersey politician -- said his buddy's candidacy is a "mockery of our system."

"I don't think it makes any sense, because, to me, running for mayor is not where you start as far as community involvement goes," he said.

"Aim for the stars," Ron said. "Look to the presidency... But not in 2008 because that's my time. Back off, clown!"

In November, the funnyman who graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, faces incumbent Beverly Johnson and City Councilman Doug deHaan.

Posted by Bittle at October 4, 2006 08:17 AM