Political Cartoonist Steve Kelley devotes his attention to public officials the way the radiator grille of a tractor-trailer might devote its attention to June bugs. He has consistently consigned office holders to the single fate they fear most- that of not being taken seriously. After two decades with The Union-Tribune in San Diego, Kelley moved in 2001 to The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, a change he describes as "culture whiplash."

"I went from tidy and well governed San Diego to New Orleans, the absolute epicenter of crime, patronage and corruption. It was like being married to June Cleaver for two decades, then waking up one morning next to Dennis Rodman."

Kelley's political cartoons are distributed by Creators Syndicate to more than 100 newspapers and magazines, and appear often in The New York Times, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune, and Newsweek. Not content with amusing people in print, Kelley began writing and performing stand-up comedy in 1985. A veteran of seven appearances on The Tonight Show, Kelley performed at Harrah's, the Riviera and The Desert Inn in Las Vegas, and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Virginia native gives much of his time and talent to charity. For seven years, Funny Money, a show he co-created and produced, provided funding to the San Diego Child Abuse Prevention Foundation. A Thousand Laughs for a Thousand Smiles, now in its third year, helps underwrite reconstructive surgery for children in Mexico.

Kelley is a 1981 honors graduate of Dartmouth College. He is the father of a 13-year-old son, Hayden, about whom he brags without regard to the listener's interest. His stage presentation is clean, provocative and funny. It includes a PowerPoint show and amusing observations on his two favorite subjects -- politics and stuff people actually care about."

You were the perfect choice to make our folks feel relaxed before they began a day of technical business sessions. I cannot tell you how many attendees verbally commented to me how much they enjoyed your show. You definitely made a lasting impression on them. On a personal note, it's always a pleasure to work with someone with your personality and professionalism." ~Labor Finders