Candidates and their pets

Fourteen dogs, six cats, 14 fish, two turtles named Cuff and Link, three birds and a ferret have a stake in who wins the White House.

These are the pets of the presidential candidates. Most of the contenders have animals at home and among the four who don't, Barack Obama is under pressure from his two daughters to get a dog if he wins.

John McCain towers over the field as a pet owner. He's got 22, more than half saltwater fish.

The Associated Press is asking the candidates a series of questions about their personal tastes, habits and backgrounds. Today's question and their answers:

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What pets live in your home?

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DEMOCRATS

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: A cat.

New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton: "Seamus, our Lab."

Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: None because of family's allergies. Would like a dog.

Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards: Golden retriever and chocolate Lab.

Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: Pound-rescues Harry the beagle-basset, Lucie the beagle and George the cocker spaniel.

Illinois Sen. Barack Obama: None.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: Cats Jake and Squeaky.

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REPUBLICANS

Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback: Two dogs, two cats and a fish.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani: None.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: Jet the 9-year-old black Lab, Sonic the 1 1/2-year-old Shih Tzu.

California Rep. Duncan Hunter: Two black Labs, Boo and Hunter.

Arizona Sen. John McCain: Sam the English springer spaniel, Coco the mutt, turtles Cuff and Link, Oreo the black and white cat, a ferret, three parakeets and 13 saltwater fish.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: Family recently lost Marley, a Weimaraner.

Colorado Rep. Tom Tancredo: No longer has a pet.

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