Hustler's Larry Flynt wants to replace Davis [For CA Gov]

The San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 8/1/03 | Carla Marinucci

[Gothmog]

Larry C. Flynt, the publisher of Hustler magazine, says he wants to be the Democratic Party's standard bearer -- or maybe "barer" -- in the coming California recall election, and he's running for governor.

"They said that the person with the best name recognition stood the best shot, so why not?" said Flynt, 61, who has taken out papers to run for the state's top job. Speaking in a phone interview last night from his Los Angeles home, Flynt said his reason is simple: "I think I can do a better job balancing the budget than those bureaucrats in Sacramento."

Dubbed the king of hard-core porn, the colorful publisher -- left partially paralyzed after a 1978 assassination attempt -- was played by Woody Harrelson in the biographical flick "The People vs. Larry Flynt" and has built an X- rated empire in publishing, adult clubs and on the Internet.

But "I'm known for more than pornography," said Flynt, who says he's a registered Democrat. "I think that will become evident."

And, sounding suspiciously like a candidate, Flynt says he has a built-in constituency.

"People know me. They know I've devoted most of my adult life fighting to expand the parameters of free speech," he said. "I took a bullet for the First Amendment. I'm concerned about our basic freedoms, the erosion that has taken place in the last few years. I would like to motivate people and get them more concerned."

Unlike many who say they want the job, Flynt says that he has a plan on "how to balance the budget without raising taxes . . . I've done my homework."

"I would expand the gaming and the private casinos, the slot machines," said Flynt, who is connected with the Hustler Casino in Gardena. "This would provide enough revenue to where the state could get out of debt -- the entire deficit. Nobody's taxes get raised, and no programs get cut."

The Hustler publisher says he will definitely pay the $3,500 filing fee to get his name on the ballot before the Aug. 9 deadline. But he's still working with experienced political consultants -- he won't mention names.

[John Jorsett]

The Democrat party must be so proud ...

[clamper1797]

Even Flynt would be a step up from Red Davis

[freedomlover]

This would be TOO good

[theDentist]

There are just so many jokes on so many levels here...

[steplock]

Larry Flynt for gov - Jerry Springer as his "live-in lover"

[horse_doc]

Pop quiz:
Which one is the biggest Hustler:
a)Grey Davis
b)Larry Flynt

[mrtysmm]

Holy Cow! If that isn't desparation....I don't know what is! Just the thought of him being on the ballot should be an embarrassment to the DNC. Hey....while he's at it....why not throw his hat into the arena for the presidential nomination? He couldn't do much worse than the 9 dwarves!...and could possibly be an improvement. The Dems are so desparate to get the WH back they will let anyone run...including this sleeze-bag.

[VRWC_minion]

Well he has the libertarian vote and those folks don't count anyways. Would he pick up some rat votes ?

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Perfect. California goes from a fiscal idiot to a repulsive troll at the state house.

[VRWC_minion]

Flynt says that he has a plan on "how to balance the budget without raising taxes . . . I've done my homework."

Sell porn to Arabs ???

[ChadGore]

Pop quiz:
Which one is the biggest Hustler:
a)Grey Davis
b)Larry Flynt

A !, no B! , errr umm A !, no B ! oh hell, there's no differance.

[bedolido]

"Vote for me, Larry Flynt! I promise you Hooters in every house"

[Skooz]

Oh please, oh please, oh please let it happen. Please run Mr. Flynt. Please vote for him Mr. and Mrs. and Miss and Ms and (whatever the transgender courtesy title de jour is) California.

I want him to be Kalifornia gov just like I wanted Sharpton to win the NYC mayoral election when he ran years ago.

Because mocking laughter is a need of mine.

[Loyal Buckeye]

Larry Flynt: The voice of the Democratic Party (right after Sheets Byrd).

[Gothmog]

And that whacked-out SFChron columnist Mark Morford will be his spokesman, whether hired by Flynt or not. Most importantly, this will split the Clinton vote, ha ha ha.

[cinFLA]

There are just so many jokes on so many levels here...

From Gypsy and Willy ....

"Libertarians should think carefully before they say anything bad about this gentleman. If freedom means anything at all, it is because people like Larry Flynt give it meaning. As far as we are concerned, he is a LIBERTARIAN SAINT!"

[bedolido]

As far as we are concerned, he is a LIBERTARIAN SAINT!"

Had to read that line twice... the first time I automatically read it as "...he is a LIBERTARIAN SLUT!"

[Kenton]

As far as we are concerned, he is a LIBERTARIAN SAINT!"

Perhaps LIBERTEEN would be a more appropriate term. (I know, a lot of people get the two terms confused... ;P )

[sheik yerbouty]

Actually Flynt wants another Clinton presidency(shudder!), where he will be appointed Whoremeister General.