In a simple comparison of the right photo and photos below to the left, Phil looks much younger: It shows no signs of the graying hair on the temples of his head, his face is much less wrinkled and he is not wearing his eyeglasses.

"I warned Phil not to plaster that really old photo of himself in the signature area of his forum postings, but he wouldn't listen." stated Steve, "God bless Phil, but the eyeglasses are the dead giveaway. Phil has always worn glasses since I met him in 2001."

For the past few weeks, many have confronted Phil on the use of the unrealistic photo of himself, and Scott B., a mortgage lender in Colorado Springs and supporter of Pete, had some harsh words about Phil:

"Phil putting up a picture of himself from 10 years back is about as respectable as the ridiculous realtors I work with who have a picture of themslves from a by-gone era when they were spry and spunky. Then they show up to the closing table with dull, hazey eyes and are horribly battered by a vindictive Father Time." stated Scott.

"Phil's phoniness is even similar to the fake 'home runs' that the 'juicing' Barry Bonds hits. Phil putting a 10 year old picture up of himself is like a 65 year old realtor on steroids hitting home runs....yep......Boy Howdy!! How could you vote for a guy like that?!?!?!? Come ooooooooooooon!!!!!!!"

Another, who requested anonymity, stated in the chat room last night: "With all the crap that Phil's been flinging along with his mud, I think that's how (Phil is) keeping his hair colored!"

In what has been arguably the most negative and dirtiest campaign in Hair Consultant history, Phil The Lurker (left photos) and his opponent Florida Pete have been the recipient of numerous negative attacks on this web site.

Florida Pete has been regarded as a two-time, and potentially three-time loser who has been heckled as a "Fran Tarkenton" to Hair Consultant elections. Pete was mocked for foolishly voting for Mike Dukakis in 1988 and for "selling out" and cutting his hair short during his adult years. Also, his principle supporters on the discussion forums were ridiculed when it was revealed they all had avatars that hid their hairstyle.

On the other hand, Phil The Lurker has been accused of constantly resorting to negative and mean-spirited attacks, for talking way too much in person with people (including with Steve on the telephone), and for merely being a "lurker" on the forums. (A "lurker" is a person who regularly reads through postings on the forums but rarely posts messages of their own.) Lastly, Phil was slammed and publicly humiliated when critics questioned whether he was psychological fit to serve as Hair Consultant, especially in view of his seeming inability to handle criticism and reputation of knee-jerk defensiveness during the campaign.

"It really has been a dirty election. I'm just so glad it will be over by next weekend." said Steve "Colorado Guy" Garufi, who is remaining neutral in this election, "Both candidates are suitable if they win, but realistically, I've got to admit maybe Phil should be called 'Phil The Phony' if he is going to continue using that photo of himself."

This year, there are two candidates (Florida Pete and Phil The Lurker) running in the annual mid-April election that determines who will serve as Hair Consultant - the chief encourager and "go to person" for Steve "Colorado Guy" Garufi in his effort to grown his naturally curly hair really long. Voting happens on April 12-15, 2007 and all are encouraged to vote. Visit the 2007 Hair Consultant election page for more details.