CARSON CITY, NV — Republican gubernatorial candidate Melody Damayo would probably like Nevada voters to know her stands on a variety of political issues of importance to their state. Instead, most of them will likely be better educated about her previous positions as Asian porn sensation Mimi Miyagi.Damayo is taking it all in stride, however, announcing during a recent fundraiser that she wants “everyone to know that I’m here to bring back the roots of the Republican party: freedom, freedom of speech, freedom to party, free enterprise.”

Then she officially began the dance competition for a cause with “Now it’s time to limbo!”

The 33-year-old Philippine native who describes herself as “a girl from a small village in a Third World country who came here to realize a dream,” left the porn industry in 2003, although she continues to work as a stripper. She developed a taste for politics while indulging in the unlikely volunteer activity of working for the campaign to re-elect President George W. Bush during 2004.

Damayo appears aware of the attitudes she will face during her race for the gubernatorial mansion. “I’m kind of like the spokesmodel for politics right now,” she admits. “That’s fine. Anything to get people to hear the message.”

There’s no knowing whether the electorate is listening, but it’s a sure thing that they’ll be watching.