Word - Weight-loss campaign

Gov. Sonny Perdue has always been open with the public about his struggle to lose weight — perhaps to build a rapport with some of his less svelte constituents. In his campaign to unseat Perdue, Democratic challenger Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor is making light of his own considerable heft. To honor the start of election season, here are some choice quotes from Southern politicians who’ve battled the bulge.

“Everyone knows the real challenge isn’t losing weight but keeping it off.”

-- Perdue at a 2004 news conference with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York and a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers

“The big guy always looks out for the little guy.”

-- Taylor at the April 18 party at which he announced his candidacy

“In the South, we batter and fry everything and eat it with gravy.”

-- Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who lost 105 pounds in 10 months, speaking to CBS News in 2004 about the dangers of southern cuisine

“I don’t eat junk food. At all. Ever. I don’t think I’ve had any junk food since my surgery.”

-- Former President Bill Clinton, speaking to CBS News after his quadruple bypass surgery in 2005