You Gonna Run, or What?

The queue of entertainers turned politicians may soon grow by one. Doug Friedline, former campaign manager to one-time Minnesota governor Jesse "The Body" Ventura, has launched a campaign to draft "I'm from Joisey" Joe Piscopo for the New Jersey governor's race. Mr. Piscopo was an 80s-era Saturday Night Live cast member who claims to have written more Jersey jokes than anyone else. Democratic candidate Jon Corzine may be wondering if Mr. Piscopo's next joke will be on him.

Mr. Friedline's "run Joe run" campaign isn't his first shot at recruiting entertainment talent for New Jersey politics. The Chappaqua, N.Y., resident tried to draft Bruce Springsteen into the 2002 U.S. Senate race.

Not that Joe Piscopo is an unwilling candidate. He says he's busy with family and professional commitments but will enter the race if voters ask (he needs to gather 800 signatures by June 7). He's been talking to local media about the state's sky-high property tax rate, calling it "criminal." Yo, Mr. Corzine, check this out: A blue-state Democrat with high name recognition, a positive image among voters and who can attract tons of free press is flanking your right on the top issue in this year's campaign.

Should Jersey Joe enter the race, he wouldn't be the only post-Arnold entertainer in politics. Charles Barkley continues to threaten to run for Alabama office, and Kinky Friedman has announced his candidacy for Texas governor (he says if elected he'll ask Willie Nelson to head the Texas Rangers, a.k.a. the Texas Department of Public Safety). And if Doug Friedline's efforts are finally successful, attracting entertainers who either have enough money to finance their own campaigns or can attract it will look like smart business development during the lean years between presidential elections.