Basil loses it

Basil Marceaux not McCrea that is. He failed in his bid to be the republican gubnatorial candidate in Tennessee:

"Internet sensation Basil Marceaux, a hit with late-night television for his outlandish platform that included fining anybody who does not carry a firearm, received 3,505 votes, or 0.5 percent, in the Republican gubernatorial primary."

So the adage fails and another internet sensation sees no reqard at the abllot box.  However, while he finished last in that race, he will take heart from his better performance in the republican primary for the 3rd Congressional district.  He avoided the wooden spoon in that race coming 9th in a field of 11 with 1% of the vote.  However, it does make you wonder what the two he defeated, Grover Travillian and Harvey Howard, must be like.

All publicity is good publicity?

Arguably going viral helped the profile of Dale Peterson against more established and better supported republican candidates and while losing he may never have got the showing he did.  However what impact will going viral have on another person seeking the republican nomination for Governor in Tenessee, Basil Marceaux.  A local news station gave every primary candidate a slot and his performance has gone viral.

He has also made national TV appearances as a result.  The attention also meant Marceaux's criminal record of mostly traffic offences was revealed.  Although on one occassion charges were dismissed as the court ruled he was insane.  However, a local judge provides an apt refrain for those who would wish simply to ridicule:

Moon described Marceaux as a “character,” and noted, “I have always liked characters and have always been kind of infatuated with people who hear the sound of a different drummer.”

A poll had him at 1% before the video went viral so will the extra attention help his campaign?  A perfect opportunity to test the old publicity adage.

Hat tip Guido Fawkes.