Ala. donkey to attend inauguration

Media General News Service
Published: November 20, 2008

When it came to winning the latest race for the White House, there was at least one candidate that refused to take “neigh” for an answer.

Irene, a 30-something-year-old donkey and official mascot of the Democratic Party, and owner Willie L. “Doc” Kirk are making plans to attend the inauguration of president-elect Barack Obama in January.

Irene has seen a number of presidential administrations since her birth in 1974 on the 7-acre spread in Little Texas that Kirk, 75, calls home.

When the announcement came of Obama’s victory, Kirk said Irene’s ears perked up and she began whooping and braying.

“She’s (Irene) looking forward to having that first dance with Obama,“ joked Kirk who prepares a special diet for Irene each day.

Getting Irene’s vote however, is something Alabama Democratic Party Chair Joe Turnham said probably isn’t difficult to garner.

“Just give Irene a carrot and she’ll vote for you,“ he laughed.

Turnham, Alabama Lt.Gov. Jim Folsom and veteran civil rights attorney Fred Gray will also be attending the presidential

inauguration.

Kirk said Irene has a red and blue gown on order from Bloomingdale’s she’ll be donning at the event.

“And I’ve already rented my tux,“ said Kirk. “If I’m going to escort her to the ball, I’ve got to look the part.“

The trip to the nation’s capitol will be at least the third for Irene, who has attended two presidential inaugurations and led an inaugural parade in 1993 and 1996.

“Irene loved former President Clinton, but now she’s got a new crush on Obama,“ said Kirk.