The Thomas Nast cartoon that effectively launched the elephant as a political icon appeared in a Harper's Weekly cartoon in November of 1874 that showed the huge animal — labeled "Republican Vote" — about to be scared into a pit by an "ass having put on a lion's skin."

For whatever reason, the Republicans took getting kicked around by a donkey as a compliment, and the pachyderm was well on its way to becoming the party symbol. Within 10 years, Nast's cartoon figure had become the Grand Old Party's "sacred elephant."

In the 1970s, by the way, the Republican Party officially adopted the elephant as its logo. The Democratic Party, on the other hand, has never officially adopted the donkey, although it is at the top of its national committee letterhead and available in Boston, as we speak, on everything from key chains to flag-holders to "Vote for Kerry" bumper stickers.

You know. John Kerry of Massachusetts. The Democrats' choice for president. He's very resolute.

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Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.