Tuffy Gessling is the front runner in the TIME-like contest in Sedalia, Mo. Obama rodeo clown tops town poll

The circus is back.

The controversial Missouri State Fair rodeo clown who gained national attention for wearing a mask of President Barack Obama during an appearance may also soon have the title of his town’s “Person of the Year” to add to his name.


Tuffy Gessling, the rodeo clown who wore the mask at the state fair that earned him a lifetime ban, is the front-runner in the Time-like contest in Sedalia, Mo., with more than half the votes cast so far, according to local reports.

The idea for the contest in Sedalia, whose population is just more than 21,000, was hatched by radio host Rob Edwards who said he hasn’t spoken to Gessling about the standings but noted the rodeo clown has shared the contest on his Facebook page.

( WATCH: Obama rodeo clown: 'Would be honored to shake' Obama's hand)

“I think that’s another reason why he’s doing so well, he actually has a lot of fans, believe it or not,” Edwards told the local CBS affiliate KMOX.

During his appearance at Missouri’s State Fair this August, Gessling asked spectators if they wanted to see “Obama run down by a bull.”

The mask and comments sparked outrage from lawmakers, including Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill, who called it “shameful.”

( Earlier on POLITICO: Obama clown at Missouri State Fair draws criticism)

In the weeks after the fair and Gessling’s bit going viral, he said he only meant to be funny, adding he received death threats and would be “honored to shake [Obama’s] hand.”

The Sedalia Police Department’s STING unit is currently in second place.

This article tagged under: Barack Obama

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