Barbe-Q Mannequin Runs for Mayor in Reading, Ohio

Barbe-Q Mannequin. Photo:KT’s Barbecue/Facebook

BarBe-Q, the busty Reading mannequin, is running for Mayor in Ohio. The life-size dummy has been the mascot of KT’s Barbecue for the past years and with the help of the restaurant’s owner, Kenny Tessel, it will challenge Reading Mayor Bo Bemmes, who has held the office since 2003, in the coming November elections.

While the mannequin can’t get on the actual ballot, Tessel is asking for write-in votes: “This is not a stunt. She’s running on a real platform, with real issues.”

Barbe-Q's new outfit. Photo:KT’s Barbecue/Facebook

“In general, BarBe Q wants to draw awareness to the fast food and chain restaurant mentality that permeates this area, which leads to obesity and other bad health habits, which lead to higher insurance premiums for people that actually work and pay taxes,” Tessel told the local paper, the Cincinnati Enquirer.

“BarBe Q wants to help the Stand Alone Store Owner, the Mom and Pop stores that are fighting to stay alive in the time of $1.00 meals of processed food,” he added.

The busty mannequin first came to fame in 2009 when local officials forced Tessel to cover up the bikini-clad figure. Tessel fought back and won, claiming BarBe Q increased business by 40 per cent.

Tessel said Bar Be Q is now dressed in a nice designer suit, with a white button-down shirt and tie, along with her fishnet stockings.