Colbert's Presidential Bid Stalls Out

Though Stephen Colbert hoped to run for president in his native South Carolina as a Democratic candidate, top party officials squashed his dreams, reports the Associated Press.

The funny Comedy Central talk show host submitted all the proper paperwork and paid a $2,500 filing fee to run as a Democratic candidate in South Carolina on Thursday, just before the deadline. However, after a 40 minute discussion, the Democratic executive council voted 13-3 to keep the host of The Colbert Report off the ballot.

"He's really trying to use South Carolina Democrats as suckers so he can further a comedy routine," said Waring Howe, a member of the executive council. Adding that Colbert "serves to detract from the serious candidates on the ballot."

Yet state Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter doesn't agree. She believes Colbert could display their humble state "in a way that none of the other candidates on the ballot have been able to do."

"I think you're taking this a little too seriously," she added.

Democrats say Colbert will get his $2,500 back.