NEW BREED OF POLITICIAN CANDIDATE DOGGED IN PURSUIT OF VICTORY.

Byline: Dominic Berbeo Staff Writer

SUNLAND - In a true tale of ``wag the dog,'' some say one cuddly candidate has the leg up on her opponents in the honorary mayor's race of the Sunland-Tujunga area.

Abbie Acaynine, a 4-year-old black Labrador-Irish setter mix, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her late uncle, Farley D. Kaynine, in becoming honorary mayor of the foothill community in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

Running against two local community activists and a hairstylist who dresses as a dog, Abbie expressed concern about keeping the campaign clean in an era of mudslinging and big political donors.

When asked about her opponents, Abbie barked back a response that resonated with disgust for the dog-eat-dog tactics making recent headlines.

``Woof,'' the candidate said. ``Woof.''

The honorary mayoral race is organized every two years by the Sunland/Tujunga Chamber of Commerce. Candidates raise funds by asking donors to purchase a ``vote'' for $1 each, and the candidate with the most votes wins.

Half the money raised benefits the chamber, while the rest goes to the charity of the candidate's choice. The winner will be announced at the July 4 fireworks event at Sunland Park.

``We've been doing this since 1939, and it's just very good for the community,'' said Kathy Anthony, chamber president. ``Besides raising the funds, we also expect the honorary mayor to make appearances and stay involved in local events.''

Michael Lucas, Abbie's campaign manager (and owner), said the idea to run his dog in the campaign came a few years back when his friends urged him to run and he realized Abbie was better schooled in political dogma.

``Plus, she's just more photogenic,'' said Lucas, who owns a photo shop in town.

If Abbie wins, the charity that will benefit is Actors and Others for Animals.

Others running in the race include Jane Fanganiello, who chose as her beneficiary the local Rotary Club and neighborhood council; Robert Sexton, who chose the local Elks Club; and Alfred Teran, a local hair salon owner who chose the Kiwanis Club as his charity.

Teran, who is known in the community for dressing up as a dog at parades and local events, could pose the most serious challenge to Abbie's campaign, Lucas said.

But if successful, Abbie might consider running for higher office, possibly that of outgoing City Councilman Joel Wachs.

``Dogs are loyal and cuddly,'' Lucas said.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) If elected, Abbie, a Labrador mix, vows to restore loyalty and cuddliness to Sunland-Tujunga area politics. The pooch is a candidate in a charity fund-raising event to be elected the area's ceremonial mayor and has drawn three human opponents.

(2) Mayoral hopeful Abbie is shown here with campaign manager/owner Michael Lucus outside Deja View Photography in Sunland, which is serving as campaign headquarters.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer