Editorial: Vote Victorino repeatedly

We know much of the country has been distracted by Larry King's marathon coverage of all things Michael Jackson, but a local election needs your very brief attention.

The race involves the final spot for the National League All-Star Team. Unlike most elections that drag on forever, this one began Sunday and ends at 4 p.m. today.

Five players are vying for the final NL All-Star spot, including Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino. In a first, The Inquirer Editorial Board endorses SHANE VICTORINO as the final NL All-Star.

This endorsement comes without the Editorial Board's usual due diligence. Fortunately, Victorino has a strong track record.

Victorino - who was born in Wailuku, Hawaii, and runs like the wind - is known as "the Flyin' Hawaiian." He should win just for his nickname. More important, he is hitting better than .300 this season, and his two home runs in the playoffs last year helped the Phillies get to the World Series.

Mayor Nutter has campaigned for him. Gov. Rendell has a friendly wager with the governor of Hawaii over which state will cast the most votes for Victorino.

Victorino is locked in a tight race with San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who is getting a lot of votes in his native Venezuela.

But here's where Philadelphia should have the edge. Fans are allowed to vote more than once, and don't have to live in their candidate's city. That's almost like every other Election Day in Philadelphia, except there is no street money. Voting is done at www.MLB.com. Remember to vote early, and often.