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K9 officer up against goat in Vermont town's mayoral race

Posted at 11:35 AM, Jan 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-28 12:37:30-05

FAIR HAVEN, VT (WPTZ/CNN) — A candidate in a Vermont mayoral race hasn't announced her platform yet, but we can take a guess.

It probably focuses on belly rubs and treats - lots of treats.

In Fair Haven, VT, politicians don't have to pick a party or have opposable thumbs.

And this mayoral race is bound to be a cute one.

Sammy the canine officer is running against the incumbent mayor – Lincoln the goat.

Sammy goes above and beyond for her community serving as the Fair Haven Police Department's K9.

"Sammy was actually a rescue dog," Sgt. Dale Kerber.

She’s trained in tracking and drugs, but also makes time to stop in to the schools.

"All the kids they are very familiar with her and they are always wanting her to come in and pay a visit," Kerber said.

And she might have the popular vote with these kids - as she kicks off her campaign - for mayor!

Fair haven has a town manager and the mayoral position is part of a fundraiser to build a new playground.

"We thought to go the national trend and have our dog challenge the mayor or whoever the candidate is for fundraising and all that money would be donated to the playground fund,” Police Chief Bill Humphries.

Last year, Lincoln the goat won the mayor's seat by three votes.

"Lincoln has done a great job, Lincoln has represented the community well and we thought it would be a great idea to run for one more year and see if we can challenge ya," Chief Bill Humphries.

This gets the kids involved as they vote for who they want to represent them.

It's unclear if the incumbent will run for a second term but candidates can register to be on the ballot until February.