COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The Hair Consultant election season has begun!

Alissa "AlamosaGirl" Rusk announced her candidacy for Hair Consultant this week contending she is the "best candidate for the job" in helping Steve grow his hair long. She is the first candidate to publicly seek votes in the upcoming April election.

In her first press release, Alissa wrote:

"I am excited to announce my candidacy for the prestigious job of Hair Consultant for the first time ever. Folks, Steve's hair needs some serious help! Have you seen it lately? I have always been knowledgeable about and good with hair. If elected I will do my darndest to get those locks as lovely as possible. I am a dedicated worker and not afraid to bully (or bribe) Steve into doing his daily part and even taking initiative in hair care.

More affectionately known by her nickname AlamosaGirl, Alissa is a daily visitor of this web site and frequently posts messages on the Friendship Board. Last month, many males in the ColoradoGuy community labeled her as the "web site babe." She occasionally hangs out with Steve and was included in a pictorial where they did a walking tour of the mineral springs attractions in Manitou Springs.

Alissa's experience with politics is limited. Her only attempt for elective office was last year, when she lost by a 2 to 1 margin for sophmore class president of her college. "I don't remember the exact vote total, but I got creamed." stated Alissa.

While Alissa is currently the only candidate to announce her candidacy, many others expected to run for Hair Consultant in this year's election from April 17 through April 20. In last year's election, three candidates were on the ballot.

AlamosaGirl Shakes Hands with the Voters

Alissa spent much of the morning meeting potential voters and talking about Steve's hair-related issues at Spice of Life Café in Manitou Springs.

"I think this is a great thing that you want to be Hair Consultant. You would be good for Steve's hair." said Robert George, a retired school teacher in Colorado Springs.

A native of Alamosa and presently a college student in Colorado Springs, Alissa is seen as a favorite to win the San Luis Valley and Colorado Springs districts (16 and 27 votes respectively) from the electoral college. However, Alissa realizes she can take nothing for granted and plans to do her best to win in the largest district, Manitou Springs (54 electoral votes).

"I think Alissa can do well in Manitou. Honestly, she'll do well with male voters ... they all dig her." reflected Steve Garufi.

The position of Hair Consultant has been vacant since January 2003. The main job duties include 1) helping Steve grow his naturally curly hair as long as possible, 2) being a "go-to" person and advice giver for hair-related questions Steve might have, and 3) being a public figure on the ColoradoGuy web site.

Amazingly, there have been a total of ten Hair Consultants since the position began in late 1998 and in the past twelve months, four have served in the position. Missy Hempe served honorably from November 2001 to April 2002 and did not seek re-election. Subsequently, two were fired for incompetence (Donna Ward and Rain Thrower) and another resigned after emotional problems impeded his ability to serve (John "JohnBoy" Fields).