Mickey Mouse, arguably Florida's most famous celebrity, turned 75 yesterday.

For many years he has been the public spokesmouse of arguably the most powerful company in the entertainment industry, an empire that affects a significant portion of the state's economy.

He may have the most recognizable face in the world. And while the company he fronts has gone on to wide success, he hasn't had a hit movie since 1947.

Can a political post be far away?

He has the background for it. Born during the Depression on a cross-country train in 1928, Mickey was pushed into show business by his father, Walt Disney, a cartoon animator from Chicago. He was the undisputed star of the screen throughout the 30's but he gave it all up to star in training films and goodwill tours during WWII.

After the war he returned to entertainment and showed up in movies, television, comic books, and newspapers, finally moving to Disneyland in 1955 to become host of the company's theme park. From that point on he was the company's loveable figurehead, leading parades, greeting foreign dignitaries, posing with children, and generally boosting the economy.

In 1971 he moved to Orlando where he opened Walt Disney World, and despite occasional junkets to Japan and France has been here ever since. When Americans think of Florida (and Florida's government) they inevitably think of Mickey Mouse, which is why I'd like to formally nominate him to run for governor in 2006.

While the choice of an animated rodent to lead our state might seem odd on the surface, I'd like to point out that even without a formal campaign Mickey has received write-in votes in nearly every election held in this country — local, state and federal — for the last 50 years. Clearly he's electable, and the advantages of an animated governor are easy to see.

He can appear simultaneously at any number of state functions and legislative sessions.

He's already used to having everything he says written by a team of professionals.

It would be even more obvious than usual if he loaded the cabinet with friends and relatives.

He understands the working class, having previously worked as a fireman, ship's captain, clock-cleaner, ghost-hunter, sorcerer's apprentice, and beanstalk-climber.

Whatever his private religious beliefs are, he has always been open to all races, denominations, and currencies.

He makes people laugh. On purpose.

And, rare for anyone in entertainment, he's untouched by scandal. Apart from some parody issues and a slight confusion over family relations — he has, at last count, fourteen nephews and one niece, but only one sister — he has led an unblemished life, remaining faithful to his long-time paramour Minnie for longer than most of his constituents have been alive.

Choosing his party might be tricky, granted. Complete corporate ownership would suggest the Republican Party, but Disney's policies towards homosexual employees, Gay Days events and the Disney/ABC show Ellen all scream "Democrat." I'd suggest he go with "Independent" and hope for the best.

His demographics are far-reaching, his power base enormous. The name recognition alone is every PR man's dream.

He's a war hero. He looks good in a suit. He's rich enough to run for office on his own dime without becoming beholden to special interests — except of course for the hospitality industry, the tourism industry, the entertainment industry, and the land developers of Central Florida, but by Sunshine State standards he's clearly his own man. Er, mouse.

And his swearing in would, once and for all, wrest the title of "Silliest Electorate" away from California, despite their recent lead.

So get out the vote, start the campaign rolling, and put on your gubernatorial ears. Why?

Because we like him.