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"Mickey was always the model citizen. But Donald was the one with the temper. He argues. He gets angry. He's always played better with adults, especially in Europe."

Cartoon Duck Beats Lame Duck

Donald Fountleroy Duck isn't exactly a novice in U.S. politics. Even though he's never registered as a candidate, he regularly receives token support in virtually every state — gleaning countless votes, even in presidential elections.

Unfortunately, cartoon characters have trouble establishing residency in a voting district and are frequently disqualified from office. That's a handicap — but there are still a lot of voters who wish upon a star.

In the controversial 2002 election, Donald Duck proved his political prowess once again. He beat out both George W. Bush and Al Gore for district director of the Marion Soil and Water Conservation Board in Salem, Ore.

OK, maybe that's not such a great job. It comes with no pay. In fact, nobody ran for the job — all 4,570 votes were write-ins and very few people took the election seriously.

Donald Duck received the most votes, although they were all immediately discounted. Embarrassed officials didn't even announce the tally.

Instead, Gore — who came in second with 23 votes — was declared the winner. In a curious political footnote, after the 2002 election, Gore could have bought land in Salem and remained in American politics by taking Donald's place.

But perhaps the outgoing vice president felt being a lame duck is much better than beating a cartoon duck — especially on a technicality. Gore decided to return to private life, at least for now. Donald Pays Taxes, Mocks Hitler

Still, Donald Duck is a proven force with the electorate. His reluctant membership in The Mickey Mouse Club only proves his status as an outsider. His current work in House of Mouse on the Disney Channel reconfirms his enduring fame. And the sailor suit reminds voters of his commitment to the military.

Indeed, Donald has served this country. In World War II, the Roosevelt administration commissioned him to appear in The New Spirit, a 1942 film that stressed that paying your taxes promptly was the job of every patriotic American.