With the election just two days away, one big question remains:

Who is smarter, Benny Beaver or certain other candidates?

“Is there any question?” said Corvallis resident Kathy Holman. “Benny at least went to the right university.”

Benny used his home turf to launch his 11th-hour presidential bid — making “Benny for President” the theme of OSU’s 2008 homecoming parade Saturday. Early (yet informal) polling indicates the OSU mascot may win Corvallis in a landslide.

OSU student Lindsay Byzick said she wouldn’t vote for Benny in real life. Then again, she said, look at the other candidates on the ballot. “He’d probably do a better job.”

Parade watchers lined the streets of downtown Corvallis, showing their support for Benny with orange campaign T-shirts and political buttons.

Benny was joined by parade grand marshal Ken Austin, who served as the original Benny Beaver in 1952, a kinder, gentler Benny than the fierce-faced mascot of today.

OSU student Austen Samet did the campaign’s dirty work. Literally. She followed behind the OSU equestrian drill team with a shovel and wheelbarrow. “My horse isn’t great with parades just yet,” she said, “so I get to be the pooper scooper this year.”

It’s all part of the road to the White House, or in this case, OSU’s Dixon Recreation Center.

Benny’s appeal crossed party lines. Even major party candidates supported him. Rick Dancer, the Republican nominee for secretary of state, said he’s a huge Benny booster.

“You should vote for Benny first,” Dancer called out as he tossed candy at parade watchers. “He’s higher on the ticket than me. Plus, he’s a rodent. He’s spirited.”