According to The Beat, cartoonist James Kochalka has been named Vermont's first-ever cartoonist laureate. (If you're unfamiliar with his work, I reviewed book three in Kochalka's American Elf series a while ago.)

I think Washington should get on this cartoonist laureate train. It should be a strictly ceremonial title—no money involved—but it would be nice for the state to formally appreciate the talent we've got. Who would I pick for our first laureate? Well, Jim Woodring would be an obvious choice. But everyone loves David Lasky, too, and he does a lot of educational outreach for young cartoonists. And who doesn't love Ellen Forney?

Let's put it up to a vote: