City: It's not a political endorsement, it's just art

An art piece that combines the face of President Lincoln with the face of Sen. Barack Obama can remain on the walls of local businesses.

The piece, called "Abraham Obama," has been displayed in several places across Colorado Springs but was recently questioned by the city's revocable permits department.

After a short investigation, the department decided that "Abraham Obama" is art and not a political endorsement, which would have violated city sign ordinances.

"It was decided that it was a mural," said Sue Matz, revocable permits coordinator for Colorado Springs. She said that she discussed the matter with her supervisor and they came to the decision together.

Had the piece been deemed a political endorsement, businesses displaying it would have had to abide by city sign restrictions. Those in violation would have had to apply for a permit or take the piece down.

Don Goede, who has been leading the charge to display "Abraham Obama" throughout Colorado Springs, was happy with the decision.

"I kind of felt that all along it was just an art piece," he said. "I don't think I would have gotten involved in it had it been a political statement."

"Abraham Obama" was created by New York-based artist Ron English and has sparked national attention, with fans plastering the print in cities across the U.S. In Colorado Springs, it has been displayed at more than 40 sites, and Goede aims to place more images here than anywhere else. So far, Colorado Springs is trailing Brooklyn, but Goede has 100 "Abraham Obama" bumper stickers ordered that he hopes to display soon.

"That should do it," he said.