Haley Dover

Free Press Staff Writer

MONTPELIER - For Spencer Caldwell the decision was a no-brainer.

A free tattoo of his favorite presidential candidate? Sign him up.

The Barre resident stopped by Aartisitc Inc. Tattoo in Montpelier on Friday for some free ink. The Main Street business, which also has a location in Winooski, is offering free tattoos of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and donating funds to support his campaign for president.

The outline of Sanders' iconic unkempt hairdo and thick black-rimmed glasses has been tattooed on the arms, legs, necks and ribs of dozens of Vermont residents. Tattoo artist Jessica Andrew said she inked the image on eight people during the last two days alone. Artist Chad Fay said he had done at least 15 during the past week.

The promotion started last Friday and will run probably as long as Sanders does, he said.

Previous coverage: This is not the first time Sanders supporters have endured pain in effort to demonstrate their commitment to the candidate. Check this jalapeno eating video from July 29:

Contact Haley Dover at 660-1850 or hdover@freepressmedia.com. Follow Haley on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HaleyRDover.