Miss America wants to run for Congress

Miss America 2011 Teresa Scanlan made no secret of her political ambitions this week, and her hometown congressman is aware that he’s got competition. 

Scanlan met with Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and the rest of the state delegation Wednesday morning, and said that her goal of running for Congress preceded her. 

“They certainly all know already,” she laughed.

She noted Smith is from her hometown, and said, “I have been helping with his campaigns for years when I was younger.

“I remember walking in parades and holding his sign,” she said. “Maybe someday we will be running alongside each other or something like that.” 

While that’s not exactly how politics works, it’s a nice thought. 

“It’s kind of neat to see how those original inspirations can be, maybe, co-workers and friends in future.” 

Sure they can. 

The Nebraska native met with reporters at Café Milano on Wednesday, taking time from visits to the White House and a meeting with Education Secretary Arne Duncan to talk about her future plans and her causes. 

Scanlan’s Miss America platform focuses on eating disorders, and she defended first lady Michelle Obama from those who criticized her for serving junk food at the White House Super Bowl party.

“That is ridiculous, because she is showing you can do that in moderation — that you should be an advocate of eating healthy, being outside and exercising, but you can also enjoy those foods in moderation.”

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