Mare in Ohio, a 'regular' on the forums who has witnessed numerous Hair Consultant campaigns in the past, summed up the concern of many:

"A little dirty campaigning and (Phil)'s already motored through his third bottle of Tums!"

Mare also added her input on how the matter will affect her vote. "All this negativity is so hard on poor Phil ... Everyone should vote for Pete and let Phil get on with his life stress and negativity free."

Phil's Handling Of Heightened Campaign Negativity

Although most agree Phil began the negativity early last week with attacks against his opponent, the reaction by Florida Pete's supporters has been very swift and negative. It is safe to say negative attacks are being hurled at both candidates with blame deserved for all involved. Still, the difference is clear between how Phil and Pete have handled the campaign negativity.

"This is Pete's third campaign and he's come off cool as a cucumber," stated one anonymous regular, "Phil, on the other hand, is posting messages like a maniac and always has to get in the last word."

"I think it's indeed telling that Phil likes to dish out the negative ads, but has a hard time accepting them." stated another who acknowledged being on the so-called "Shut Up Phil" committee.

ShutupPhil.com is a new web site created by Pete supporters who are "dedicated to telling the truth about Phil." It mocks Phil's embarrassing photo of him shaking Pete's hand during the barbeque of the 2006 Colorado Guy Festival. The photo has been used frequently to mock Phil for speaking incessantly (at the web site function) about how great of a candidate Florida Pete was in the 2006 election, similar to the embarrassing photo of Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with Saddam Hussein.

To make matters worse, a large attack ad (bottom of article) was placed throughout this web site, with large lettering that reads "SHUT UP PHIL!" Phil has also engaged in endless debates over accusations that he doesn't think Steve should use conditioner and for questioning the credentials of the LongHairLovers.com webmaster, who endorsed Pete.

"I am tiring of constantly having to defend myself in what I have said. I spend so much time in damage control ... obviously the strategy of the sympathizers ... because if you are threatened with the truth, the darkness must hide in innuendo, spread confusion etc!" wrote Phil, in one of his many spirited postings.

Phil and His Mental Health

With Phil showing "cracks in the armor" in his ability to handle campaign criticism, it is not to his advantage that many have noticed Phil posting under a secondary name of "Phoenix Phil" (right photo) who is supporting his candidacy. Most regular visitors know the writer is Phil The Lurker himself, but some wonder if a grown, 48-year-old man should be engaging in behaviors exhibiting he has an "imaginery friend."

"The only thing I will say is, both candidates went through rigorous questioning about matters of their mental health history and whether they've ever been a drama queen. Phil passed the test." explained Steve, who is remaining neutral in the campaign and will not disclose who he plans to vote for.

Some urged Steve, however, who happens to be a mental health professional, to re-examine the matter of Phil's mental health.

"(Phil) has too much time on his hands and needs a life after reading just some of his postings." wrote Samantha in Denver.

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.

The photo above of Rumsfeld and Hussein is property of www.flyingsnail.com.