Pooch Power

By Ann E. Marimow
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, July 6, 2006; Page GZ02

If a dog really is a man's best friend, District 20 Senate candidate Jamie Raskin just might be onto something with his campaign's latest door-knocking gimmick. Raskin, who is challenging longtime Sen. Ida G. Ruben (D), has started handing out doggie treats to canines he encounters while scouting neighborhoods for votes.

The "liver biscotti" are emblazoned with a photo of Zola Raskin , the candidate's English springer spaniel, and the slogan "Jamie Is a Democrat in Dogged Pursuit of the Common Good," as well as a reminder to vote for him on Sept. 12.

Raskin said the treats were developed to keep him "from getting mauled" and "drowned out by barking" when talking to voters.

In the spring, Raskin passed out packets of seeds from Maryland's state flower -- the black-eyed Susan -- that he called "Seeds of Change."