Gov. Rendell: 'I am a good example to children'

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) thinks he's a good role model for kids because he lost a lot of weight -- not because he's a governor.

At a press conference Friday in Philadelphia, Rendell revealed that he's lost 60 lbs. in eight months, down from a personal high of 265 lbs. And for the first time in his public career, he said, "I am a good example to children."

The comments were part of a joint event with First Lady Michelle Obama, who was in town to promote her "Let's Move!" childhood obesity prevention program.

Rendell praised the first lady as the "best messenger" for physical fitness.

The Quaker State governor isn't the only state executive to have shed pounds in public: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) lost 110 lbs. in 2003 and published a self-help book based on his experience, titled "Stop Digging your Grave with a Knife and Fork."