How no one could realize that this was a prank from the get-go is beyond me. This should never have been reported without the caveat that the "candidate's" seriousness was in question. For Pete's sake, he referred to "Democrats Vince Vitrano & Scott Steele" as two African-American men of influence in his press release! It was a cross between Stephen Colbert's run for office and the Onion.

Because it looked just like a campaign that a 17 year old would run, and the campaign language sounded just like Waukesha Mayor Jeff Scrima. There have been odder campaigns that were not pranks for far higher stakes. Remember the Demon Sheep ad?

I believe it was a parody that went too far because too much outside attention to it was paid. Including in the media.

Our system of governance has been fodder for parody for many years - SNL wouldn't have lasted as long as it has without the political process being the butt of humor. Kurt Heins' role in this situation will have no bearing in discouraging young people's involvement in politics. There are many others already doing that.

Reuben & Danny, I howled when I read the press release. And then I looked at the articles and said, "But ... surely... the people publishing links to thjis ... must see that this is a joke."

I guess no one on the Patch ever reads the Onion....

I thought this whole thing was just stupid. If I want fake political entertainment I turn on MSNBC. If anything though, the little punk was creative. Maybe wise up and consider a serious run someday. I still think your yard sign would be an act of vandalism to a property.

I feel that this only further de-legitimizes anyone my age in attempts to actually be politically involved. This only reinforces the impression that high school and college students don't care and in fact out right mock our system of governance. I wish I could disagree with the fact that it looked like a campaign run by a 17 year old, as I think someone my age is more then capable of successfully running for office, but it does. Very disappointing!

Nik, I think it was a statement about how our current election process is being run these days. Sensationalism, quick catch phrases, media blitz - it wasn't as sophisticated, but it got the idea across. I think it should inspire you to become involved to change the process.

Actually, you couldn't care less. If you could care less, it means you care somewhat.

The Democrats put him up to it. He was the best they had :)

LOL Patch got owned

Nate, don't feel bad. A lot of people use the term "I could care less," which is incorrect. I saw a premiere of a play in which the lead character said it throughout the whole show. I flinched every time. You're not the first to use it incorrectly, typo or not. You won't be the last.

Exactly, Carl. It got out of hand because the media didn't do their job (see "getting owned" above). The original articles should have referred to the satirical nature of the story or maybe the reporter should have <gasp> done a little investigative journalism!! Everyone is just taking things too seriously!!

Oh, and Nate - my husband's pet peeve is ATM Machine. It's redundant. I say, "give the people the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps they're eliding it and what they mean is ATMachine." He doesn't think so.

Although I too agree with the fact that the media should have done some reporting before running with this story, the fact that Kurt's "Campaign" filled paperwork with the county clerks office makes this to me more then just a class project that got into the media's hands and he decided to then run with it.

Nate....Greco is a substitute teacher for MFSD. From what I hear, the kids like him a lot- he is strict and maintains order in the classroom, but he is good with the kids. It would be easy to be part of a school project and unknowingly be sucked into a prank like this.
I think the media did a fair job reporting this. It would be impossible to determine this was a prank based on the fact papers were filed. Besides, no one was hurt or harmed in any way. The kid did a good job of keeping it legal.

No, everyone involved thought, i should say KNEW it was a joke. It only became real once Kurt suddenly said that he was in fact going to run, which shocked everyone. I don't know much about Grecko's history but he has always been a real good, fair substitute and I don't think that he agreed to do it to bash Nikolaus.

What boggles my mind is that this was resurrected after nearly nine months! Firefox, was this your gestation for your comment?? Please. Let. It. Go.

Maybe firefox oughts to stage a write-in campaign if he doesnt like the candidates! Kurt Heins could still win!!!!! Hes got my vote! Im writing him in! Kurt 4 Klerk!