With so many elected officials bashing video games these days, GP naturally has a soft spot for any politician willing to get hands-on with our favorite pastime.

Kudos, then to Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert (R) who played a bit of the Pat Benatar anthem, Hit Me With Your Best Shot at a charity Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock marathon today in Dallas. The event is sponsored by Blockbuster and benefits Education is Freedom, a local nonprofit which is part of Mayor Leppert's Igniting Opportunity for the Children of Dallas Campaign.

The Dallas Morning News reports on hizzoner's performance:

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert attempted to play Hit Me with Your Best Shot during a 24-hour charity event featuring the video game Guitar Hero.

 

Once the mayor began to play he handed the guitar to 11-year old game whiz Aaron Blockmon to play most of the song. At the end, the mayor grabbed the guitar, dropped to his knees and cranked out the last few fake chords rock-star style...

 

After the mayor won a coin toss, Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes kicked off the event with School's Out. While Mr. Keyes was playing, the mayor stuffed his guitar strap with $5 bills.

GP: Awesome, Mr. Mayor. Simply awesome... The marathon runs through Saturday. Click here for details.

UPDATE: GP Correspondent Andrew Eisen has tracked down a video clip of Mayor Leppert's GH3 performance.