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Choosing a costume for Halloween each year is always challenging. But during presidential election years, there are some more options.
Expect to see a few more Barack Obama and John McCain masks at your door or party in the next few weeks. But the most popular mask of the season this year is Sarah Palin.
The buzz on the campaign trail this year is Sarah Palin, and the buzz at costume shops around the country this Halloween is also Sarah Palin!
Sarah Palin masks are the most sought-after item this year. The problem is trying to find one. Manufacturers are rushing to create them, and stores and Web sites are selling out as soon as they arrive.
Some are better than others, but there's word from Gov. Palin about what she thinks about all this.
The masks are fun, though, and might be an indicator as to who might win the election. The Web site Buycostumes.com has monitored mask sales for the past two presidential contests. In both cases, the George W. Bush masks sold more than the others.
Vice presidential masks haven't been tracked in the past, but Sarah Palin's is selling well and is out of stock for the moment.
Then again, there's always eBay! For a latex Palin mask, bids start at about $20 and go up from there. Some have sold for hundreds of dollars.
One woman who won't need to search for a mask or wig and glasses is Jewelya Singer of Bountiful. If she gets invited to a Halloween party this year, her costume will be easy. "It would. I'd just show up, and they'd probably say, ‘Come in, Sarah!'" she said.
When Palin became John McCain's running mate, Singer started getting the double takes. "I could see it once I put my hair up, and that's the scary part!" Singer laughed.
Instead of scary, many people, including Singer, will go "political" in their costume choices this year. Question is, will they get more candy?
Singer has other similarities to Sarah Palin besides looks and being a Republican. She has 5 children, is a "lacrosse mom," and was a pageant queen. And, yes, she hopes the McCain-Palin ticket wins.
E-mail: kmccord@ksl.com
