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Dog takes starring role in Missouri campaign ad

State of Missouri

A candidate for Missouri secretary of state is counting on his dog to help pick up some votes.

Republican state Sen. Bill Stouffer says his bloodhound, Duke, has been a popular sidekick at campaign events. Now, the long-eared, droopy-eyed dog is starring in a campaign commercial.

The spot opens with Stouffer's wife, Sue Ellen, saying ambiguously that he's loyal, protects those he serves, fights for what's right and hunts for the truth. After Stouffer thanks her for the praise, she jokes that the compliments were directed at Duke.

Stouffer, from the west-central Missouri town of Napton, is among three Republicans running in the Aug. 7 primary for secretary of state. The others are Sen. Scott Rupp, of Wentzville, and House member Shane Schoeller, from the southwestern town of Willard.

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