Maui's Shane Victorino ran a campaign even John McCain wasn't able to beat.

He won an election Venezuela strongman Hugo Chavez didn't swing.

Victorino brought Republicans, Democrats and independents together. And, in the decisive move, picked his running mate.

Not bad for someone who had been a political novice. That is unless you count holding signs for his father, Maui County Councilman Michael Victorino, along the roadway in Wailuku for years.

With the support of legions of fast and fatigue-fingered online friends, the Phillies outfielder was the victor yesterday in intense voting for the 33rd — and last — spot on the National League roster for Tuesday's Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

It took a record 15.6 million votes in MLB's "Final Vote" competition and all the political savvy he could muster to become the first position player born and raised in Hawai'i to be voted to an All-Star Game. Pitcher Sid Fernandez of the New York Mets was a two-time (1986-87) coaches' pick.

Between a game-winning hit in the stretch run of voting and shrewd choice of a running mate, Victorino made things look as smooth as, well, playing center field for the Phillies.

"I told him, do your job, just like in politics," Michael said. Something Shane has managed with a .309 batting average and 42 RBIs.

Good thing, too, because his opposition had heavyweights to call on. San Francisco corner infielder Pablo Sandoval had his native Venezuela voting en masse, not to mention Giants' fans. Arizona Diamondbacks' third baseman Mark Reynolds had the endorsement of Arizona Sen. McCain, the 2008 GOP presidential candidate.

Dodgers' outfielder Matt Kemp had a Freeway Alliance with the Angels' Chone Figgins as the teams co-promoted their players. Likewise the Giants and Rangers hooked up to cross-campaign.

But in a stroke of genius by Victorino, who had been running second in the NL while Detroit third baseman Brandon Inge ran runner-up in the AL, www.MLB.com said he suggested Tuesday they join forces to form what would become the "Bran-Torino" ticket and the first pair of come-from-behind winners.

When Victorino's father said he asked his son if he'd help his campaign, we're told the response was he might stick to baseball, thanks. Shane saying, "This is too much work."