6 Comedians Who Ran for Office

With Al Franken in a dead-heat with Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman and Governor Sarah Palin touring the country with her hilarious deadpan routine, I thought it'd be a good idea to look back at some other comedians who've made political bids. Here's what I came up with:

Pat Paulsen

If you're under 30, you might not know Pat Paulsen, but through four decades, he was a reliable White House contender. The edgy Smothers Brothers writer's candidacies were elaborate jokes, but he always got a handful of votes thanks to policy positions like, "All the problems we face in the United States today can be traced to an unenlightened immigration policy on the part of the American Indian."

Howard Stern

In 1994, the King of All Media entered the New York gubernatorial race as a Libertarian and shook up the election by garnering a surprising amount of support. It was never totally clear whether it was all a stunt or a legitimate campaign, but the point became moot when Stern refused to disclose his finances and dropped out of the running, robbing the Empire State of Lt. Governor Will the Farter.

Stephen Colbert

Way back in 2007, there was a gaping hole in the field of Presidential candidates: No one was running only in South Carolina for both major party nominations on a ticket sponsored by Doritos. Thank God Stephen Colbert saw that hole and filled it with himself.

Ronald Reagan

You're probably too young to remember it, but in 1967 the guy from Bedtime for Bonzo ran for Governor of California. His acting career never recovered.

Doug Stanhope

Colbert wasn't the only comedian who tried fruitlessly to throw his hat in the '08 presidential ring. Former Man Show host Doug Stanhope also announced his candidacy in 2007, but soon gave up in the face of FEC red-tape.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Seriously, what is going on in California? Mark my words: 20 years from now, Turtle from Entourage will be Governor. Especially after he gets the endorsement of President Schwarzenegger.