Dennis Has Willie, Now Bob Has Ralph

Willie Nelson somewhat quixotically chose to back Dennis Kucinich for president. Now bluegrass legend Ralph Stanley has chosen to support Sen. Bob Graham, according to AP:

Stanley will perform a series of concerts for the Florida Democrat’s campaign beginning Wednesday at the Coffee Pot club in Roanoke, Va.

The 76-year-old Stanley, who has recorded nearly 200 albums in his 50-year career, won a Grammy Award for his performance of “O Death” on the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack.

Stanley, Jim Lauderdale and The Clinch Mountain Boys won the Grammy for best bluegrass album this year for “Lost in the Lonesome Pines.”

In a statement, Graham called Stanley “a legend in bluegrass music and a vital piece of the fabric of our nation.”

Stanley “touches our culture and our historic roots as a nation like few others,” Graham said. “I look forward to his help and look forward to witnessing his performances.”

I’m sure Graham appreciates the help and all, but the craggy old voice wailing “O Death” as though the tune was being wrenched from his soul with a fishing knife might scare away a few of the civilians.

Will Bill Monroe return from the grave to support Carol Mosley Braun?