Despite the signs, you can't vote for Degas

"What better way to get the message out in an easy, cheap, subtle way?" he thought. So the museum commissioned 150 Degas signs (total cost $200) for board members and friends to plant in strategic spots.

Since then, he's been hearing "I saw one" reports from all over, with the biggest concentration coming from Bayshore Boulevard. But not everyone understands the reference. Museum spokesperson Nancy Kipnis says she overheard two men outside Pach's Place pondering the name.

"They were asking, 'Who's Degas?' — like 'Las Vegas,'" she says. (For the record, the proper pronunciation is "day-GAH.")

Smith insists he is not trying to get Degas any write-in votes.

"We're not running! Let me be clear about that. Romney and Palin may say that. But we at the museum  are saying, Degas is not running. We just want him to be the number one artist in your hearts."

Spoken like a true politician.

The Degas show, which will feature the artist's bronze sculptures along with a selection of paintings and drawings, runs from March 12-June 19. Find out more at tampamuseum.org.