Va. Senate Candidate: Hank the Cat

Virginians have a couple of predictable picks in the race to succeed retiring Sen. Jim Webb: Democrat Tim Kaine, a former governor, or Republican George Allen, also a, uh, former governor. But for those yearning in their souls to vote for a non-former governor, meet Hank. The Springfield native is diving into what has so far been something of a catfight, reports the Washington Post.

Not only is Hank not a former governor, he is a current feline, and "a proud Independent" with “real world experience, a unique point of view, and limitless energy." He's also got a website, Facebook page, Twitter account, arguably better sartorial sense than either Kaine or Allen, and a platform: job creation. And while Allen, at least, is on his second political life, Hank has at least seven more beyond that. Stay tuned. (More Election 2012 stories.)