Two candidates in the mayoral race have been portrayed in the media as \kooky,"" yet both Davy Mayer and Will Sandstrom said they are offended by that characterization because they are running legitimate campaigns.
While Sandstrom said the light the media has cast on him is totally unfounded, Mayer said he is trying to use this novelty to his advantage, claiming politics are moving away from substance and more towards style.
""People look at appearances. My campaign is trying to embrace all that,"" Mayer said. ""You make yourself into a product, and you advertise that product.""
As part of that objective, Mayer, a UW-Madison graduate student in the art program, designed an exhibit about his campaign and organized a mayoral arm wrestling tournament.
Unlike Mayer, Sandstrom said he is focusing more on the issues rather than appearance. He said the reason why he has been treated differently by the public is that he displays different opinions than the other five candidates.
""I think the press is afraid of me because I sing a different tune on most issues,"" he said.
Sandstrom said he has been able to draw support for his mayoral bid, despite no financial investment in his campaign. Mayer and Sandstrom are the only candidates who have spent less than $1000 on their campaigns.
Mayer said he is drawing donations and support from friends and other UW-Madison students. He has lived in Madison all his life and on State Street for the past four years. He worked as comics editor for The Badger Herald and said he is relying on his status as a student to get student votes.
""I am in stark contrast to the other candidates [as far as age],"" he said. ""I hope to appeal to students, say 'I'm more like you.'""
Sandstrom is a retired biochemist who has tried to run for both Congress and governor. He taught at an inner-city school in Chicago and lived in Finland before coming to Madison where he currently lives on the East Side. He said his life experiences have made him the most qualified candidate.
""I am the only knowledgeable candidate,"" he said. ""I know what is going on in the world.""
Sandstrom has caused public controversy over the racially charged comments he makes at most open forums. Much of his public speaking has turned to attacks on the other candidates and theories on the ""death of Madison.""
""The Russian Mafia is moving into Madison. We have organized criminals keeping young girls in chains,"" he said. ""Madison is dying. If Madison dies, Wisconsin dies. I want to save it.""
Although Mayer said he is upset he is often grouped with Sandstrom, he said both deserve to be running for the seat.
""We all have to get 200 signatures,"" he said. ""[Sandstrom] has every right to be in this race.\
