Vance McAllister dives into the annual Teddy’s Bearfest street fair, caressing baby cheeks and hugging old ladies — the rare Republican showing and receiving affection in a crowd of African-Americans.

Not a single person in this city near the Mississippi border — nor at any other event on this scorching October day — takes McAllister to task for locking lips with an aide last December, an act of infidelity caught on video.

“This is blowin’ your mind, isn’t it?” the Republican says with delight. “It’s because I’m so approachable.”

The “kissing congressman,” looking heavier these days, is seriously testing the limits of incumbency. But this conservative Northeast Louisiana district seems to be largely looking past his role in one of Congress’ most salacious scandals in years.