Due to California law, a gubernatorial candidate must have 164,000 signatures to appear as an independent on the ballot.
Carey has been featured in mostly tongue-in-cheek segments in the mainstream media and has been a recurring guest on Fox News’ “Hannity & Colmes,” Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” MSNBC’s “Donny Deutsch Show” and Howard Stern.
The 26-year old Carey, born Mary Ellen Cook, intends to focus her campaign to appeal to younger voters whom she feels have been neglected by the California state government.
In the past, Carey has identified herself with the Republican Party, attending several fund raiser dinners with the likes of Vice President Dick Cheney and other party notables. While she’ll be running as an independent, Carey said that she considers herself fiscally conservative and socially liberal, adding that if elected she would instruct her administration to “leave the adult industry alone.”
Carey is beginning her “Shock the Vote” campaign with an appearance on the SDSU Free Speech Steps at noon sponsored by The Koala, the university’s humor magazine.
At the hour-long event, Carey is going to announce her political platform in conjunction with a voter registration drive. There will be a raffle for all in attendance, and prizes include a free Sirius satellite radio and subscription, a personal dance from Carey and 10 fill-in-the-blank novelty state pardons for any crime committed in California.
However, Carey will not be the only politically active porn star speaking at SDSU. Retired military officer, free speech advocate and billed as the oldest working man in porn Dave Cummings will speak to students about the importance of voting and political involvement.
Carey will hold a question and answer session for members of the media 30 minutes prior to her speech at 11:30 a.m.
Under an exclusive performance contract with Legend Video, Carey’s campaign slogan is, “Finally, a politician you want to be screwed by.”