MANITOU SPRINGS, CO -- Boki Evans, the 41-year-old co-owner of the Manitou Springs Center for Photography, formally announced his candidacy from his home computer today. Last week, the good-natured friend made news when he bought Steve a gourmet drink and admitted he was considering running for Hair Consultant.

Similar to Geraldine Ferraro's vice presidential campaign in 1984, Boki is the first male candidate ever to pursue the highest office of Steve's long, naturally curly hair. At this time, it is unknown whether his gender will benefit or hinder his campaign.

By running in the April election, Boki's substantial popularity in the small mountain community of Manitou Springs poses a serious threat to the most loyal voting base of opponent Donna Ward: Manitou Springs (54 electoral votes) and Spice of Life Café (21 electoral votes). Both Donna and Boki agree that winning these two districts are critical for winning in April.

The official text of Boki Evans' press release (which he submitted on the Friendship Board) has been reproduced below.

Steve's Hair: "A Symbol for the World"

I now officially declare my candidacy for hair consultant. I genuinely care about Steve, and my sincere desire is to help him in any way I can to enjoy his beautiful hair, and share it's beauty with his world community. It is my great privilege to be a man, and to bring that unique sensitivity to the office of Hair Consultant.

My stand is based on a triad approach.The first prong of my plan is to help Steve care for his luscious mane. Through judicious use of quality, organic hair care products, and with a lifestyle oriented, natural approach to handling and protecting his hair.

The second plank of my plan is to reinforce, continually solidify and elevate Steve's "hair confidence" and "hair-self-image". The importance of that inner beauty of Steve as a modern man, and the tangible effect that it has as it permeates his body and shines through every delicate strand of his curly top, cannot be overstated.

The third point of my plan is sharing through communication. Steve's hair is a symbol not only for him, but also for our world. We do not live alone in this world, and Steve's hair can lift everyone on this planet to a new level of "awehairness". Through digital and traditional photographic images, over the worldwide web and in print, by electrical transmission and in person, I will help Steve share his glorious hair with anyone open to receiving it's message.

Yes, my plan consists of a prong, a plank, and a point. All designed to work together in harmony to make the most of his precious gift. The prong, plank, point approach is a practical and simply do-able way for everyone to benefit from Steve's Hair.

Thank You all for your kind attention, and I will make myself available as much as possible to answer questions and concerns through Steve's Friendship Board. I look forward to your input and feedback. I hope to be a quality representative and advocate for Steve's Hair. Sincerely, boki r.l. evans

Public Reactions Seem Positive

Evans, who also received praise for his partial brainstroming of the 1st annual Pajama Party of Manitou Springs last week, seems to be enjoying a "honeymoon period" of popularity and enthusiasm in his campaign.

Tara Shelhamer of Colorado Springs was impressed with Boki's strong leadership in his statement today. "Way to take a stand for Steve's hair … way to go!" she exclaimed.

"This is really exciting to have Boki running for Hair Consultant." replied Steve, who has refused to publicly endorse a candidate, but will vote like everyone else from April 17-20.