Law of Nature Boy?

Another would-be governor has just stepped into the political ring. The AP reports that on Monday's edition of "Live With Regis and Kathie Lee," Ric "Nature Boy" Flair said he plans to run for governor of North Carolina--possibly as an independent candidate.

Known for his signature cry, "Whooooooo!" and his trademark costumes studded with rhinestone and peacock feathers, Flair, 50, would be following in the footsteps of wrestling colleague Jesse "The Body" Ventura, governor of Minnesota and Reform Party member.

In the ring, Flair has been on the side of both good and evil. Who knows what he would do as governor? With such names as Jesse Helms in his political past, he might prove true to his wrestling image--a loose cannon. In the past, Flair has been planted solidly in the Republicans' corner, serving as a fundraiser or campaign for Helms, Rep. Sue Myrick and Sen. Lauch Faircloth, who lost re-election in 1998.

Flair admitted that he might have to "tone down" if he wishes to succeed in politics himself.

"But I think charisma can go a long way," said Flair, who is part of the World Championship Wrestling circuit.

According to the AP, at the moment, at least seven Democrats and Republicans have said they will run in the gubernatorial race. Unless Flair files to run as a Democrat, Libertarian or Republican by the Feb. 7 deadline, he would have to get the signatures of 2 percent of all North Carolinian voters to get a slot on the ballot.

That would mean 300,000 names by the end of June. If on the other hand, Flair joins Ventura as a Reform Party member, he would only need the signatures of 2 percent of people who voted in the last gubernatorial election.

Hopefully this would pose a significant obstacle to Flair's candidacy. Even the Reform Party should be running in the other direction after Monday's announcement. Gee, could they gain any more credibility? People have been complaining about the intersection of politics and entertainment for a while now. Flair certainly isn't going to help the situation. If Flair's going to run, how long will it be before Hulk Hogan and Sable join the fun? How long before Hollywood remembers the Reagan era and hauls out the B-movie actors? (Shannon Tweed for Mayor!) On the flip side, North Carolina and Minnesota would be the only states where the governors are easily accessible to citizens in the form of action figures...