Play Foursquare in Chicago? Wanna be mayor?

The mayoral election in Chicago has grabbed some headlines due to Rahm Emanuel’s departure from the White House to run for the post.

Also on the ballot: some random dude from Foursquare. Which random dude from Foursquare has yet to be determined, and an elaborate sub-game of the popular location aware app is on in Chicago. Foursquare users are furiously checking in to City of Chicago – Mayoral HQ, with some guy named “Rob Mowry” currently in the lead. Foursquare, on the punnishly named “Foursquarian Candidate” page, explains the three steps to- well, wherever it is mayors in Chicago live. Their version of Gracie Mansion, or something:

#1: Friend us and check in to City of Chicago – Mayoral HQ on Foursquare.
#2: Each time you check in, include your campaign slogan in the shout/message field.
#3:Check-in early and often, and rally your supporters!

According to Foursquare, the last man standing as mayor of that venue at 11:59pm on October 31st will be Foursquare’s candidate for Chicago mayor and receive free press and campaign materials. (Official rules are here.) While elections are pretty serious business, you can’t deny that this campaign is pretty clever. Do you think this campaign is beyond the pale, or is it brilliant marketing?

[Foursquarian Candidate via Mashable]