ORANGE COUNTY, CA -- Laura Marie Johnson, affectionately known as "Laloo" on the message forums, formally announced her candidacy for Hair Consultant in the upcoming April 2004 election. A financial analyst who lives "close to the beach" in southern California, Laloo has never run for public office in her lifetime.

"I've never met (Steve) in person, but I've seen pictures of (his) long hair and I love it." wrote Laloo, in a recent e-mail, "I will do everything I can to help you grow it way down your back."

Laloo, in her quest to be the leader and "go-to person" for Steve as he grows his hair long, is expected to be a strong candidate in the election, especially with her home state (California) possessing 33 electoral college votes. Also, pundits believe her stereotypical "blonde hair blue eye" appearance will help her among male voters who vote solely on looks.

Although Steve "ColoradoGuy" Garufi is pleased to learn that Laloo is running for the esteemed position, the Internet personality refused to comment on the merits of Laloo's campaign.

"As long as the campaign stays focused on the issues related to my hair, then I'm happy." stated Steve, who had his hair tied back in a pony tail.

Steve created the position of Hair Consultant in 1998, when he decided he needed one committed person to coach, encourage and help him in his effort to grow his hair really long. Originally, Hair Consultants principally functioned as a sponsor available "24-7" (just like an AA sponsor), whom Steve could communicate with if he ever had the really stupid temptation to cut his hair short.

When this web site was created in 2000, Hair Consultants have become highly scrutinized public figures with the job becoming quite politicized by annual elections each April. (See the Hair Consultant history page to learn more.)

Hair Consultant candidate Laloo issued a press release, which includes her qualifications and proposed strategies for Steve's long, naturally curly hair.

Laloo's First Press Release (by Laloo)

Born in the 60's and growing up in the 70's makes me the perfect candidate for Hair Consultant (HC) 2004, and I'll tell you why.

I grew up in a time when long hair was considered rebellious and even "dirty", in the eyes of people like my conservative parents and their friends. I, although a "good girl", still LOVED the long locks donned by boys all around me, from elementary school until, well ... NOW actually.

I'm SO glad that long hair is back in style, I just can't tell you, I loved it even when it was OUT of style, but, just to clarify, I'm absolutely NOT prejudice, and do NOT think less of men that are follically challenged, in fact, I have 2 previous relationships that were with gentlemen who suffered under the persecution of people who nicknamed them things like Mr. Morehead! (more head than hair) Oh, I could go on, but for all intents and purposes, I will stay on track with my love for the "long haired dude".

Since I was born and raised in Southern California, I do consider myself somewhat of an expert on long-haired dudes.

My first and very favorite long haired idol would be David Cassidy, yes one in the same from the Partridge family. I thought there was nothing more beautiful in the whole world, then his perfectly feathered and blown dry LONG hair! Sigh! Ok ok ok, so this is NOT the same long hair that Steve sports, however, it did begin my love for the long hair.

Additionally, growing up when I did, I was a part of "big hair band" mania, not that I especially prefer the long hair that has more "product" in it than my own, but I did get joy from seeing long locks crowning the likes of the boys from Metallica, Jon Bon Jovi, Lindsay Buckingham and even Dan Fogelberg, just to name a few. Yes, I'm a bit older than some of the previous HC's, but I think my experience with long hair, makes me more knowledgeable.

In terms of care and maintanence, I will be relentless in my insistence that Steve take the utmost care with his God-given curly locks, and will do my best to give him the easiest and most natural product suggestions available today. I will help him to discover food products that will give his hair more shine and moisture than he has ever seen, at a fraction of the price charged by mainstream hair product manufacturers.

I will need help from other Coloradoguy members, and will need to recruit local "spotters" to report in on any mistreatment of said hair, since I would be working from a remote location.

Please vote for me, I know I can do the Coloradoguy community a great service, by seeing to it that Steve's hair care remain a statement that reflects his loving involvement and care given to his CG members. This is important for the future of CG.com, and for you all as members of the valued CG family.

Thank you for your consideration.

"Laura Marie" aka "Laloo"