West Virginia Governor Campaigns for Brad Paisley

Politics and music have gone hand-in-hand for decades, with many Country Music stars being tapped during elections to perform on campaign trails and back their favorite political candidates.

But West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin has turned the tables, lending his voice and support to the campaign of Brad Paisley for Entertainer of the Year at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, GACtv.com reported yesterday.

The governor made statements this week urging fans to vote for Paisley in the only fan-voted award from the Academy. Entertainer of the Year was opened up for fan-based voting last year, in which the award went to fellow Country Music superstar, Kenny Chesney.

The Wheeling TV station, WTRF quotes the governor as stating: "Brad Paisley is a great performer and a fellow West Virginian, so I encourage all residents to show their support and go online to vote for Brad."

This year, the category nominees are Paisley, Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and George Strait.

The 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air Sunday, April 5, at 8 p.m. EST on CBS.  To vote for the Entertainer of the Year category, visitwww.cbs.com/specials/acma/vote/.