A guest at the Republican National Convention’s second night of festivities quickly managed to steal the show, even though he didn’t even give a speech.
Babydog, the canine companion of Gov. Jim Justice, R.W.Va., stole the show from his owner as spectators raved about the dog, who had his own chair on stage while the governor spoke.
Shouts of “Babydog!” followed the governor’s entrance on stage Tuesday night. “I know a lot of you want to meet my little buddy,” Justice said. “So if Babydog could come here.”
His dog quickly came forward to loud applause before being installed in his seat next to him.
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Who is Babydog?
Babydog is one of three dogs owned by Justice and his family. They also have two Boston terriers named Lucy and Ellie, according to the governor’s campaign website for his run for U.S. Senate in November.
Babydog is an English bulldog. Like most bulldogs, Babydog is white, brown, and tan, with short legs and a multitude of folds around his face.
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The friendly dog is four years old, but will turn five at the end of October.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Justice made Babydog the mascot of its vaccination contest. A website was even created to encourage coronavirus vaccination, called “DoItForBabydog.wv.gov.”
According to the West Virginia Governor’s official website, “Whether it’s special appearances on the biggest stages, like the Governor’s State of the State address, or simply meeting people and shaking their paws during her travels, Babydog always brings smiles to everyone’s faces wherever she and the Governor go.
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She has been accompanying her owner to events for several years.
Babydog is also featured on Jim Justice’s Senate campaign website, where she has her own section. “At the heart of Jim Justice’s campaign team is Babydog, the beloved English bulldog,” the site reads. Babydog “symbolizes warmth, love and connection,” according to her campaign. She also “spreads joy and fosters unity.”
His campaign team is even selling Babydog merchandise, including T-shirts, mugs and koozies.
Justice has already won the Republican Senate primary in West Virginia, fending off the efforts of Rep. Alex Mooney of West Virginia. He is expected to easily win the U.S. Senate race in November against Democratic Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott. The nonpartisan political prognosticator Cook Political Report called the race “solid Republican,” with Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia not seeking reelection.
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The West Virginia governor previously told Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade that Babydog would accompany him to the Senate if he were elected. “Absolutely,” he said, noting that she might not be able to follow him down “all the different aisles.”
“But she will make the trip,” he said.
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