Normally, when you think of Suns power forward Amar’e Stoudemire, former President of the United States Ronald Reagan doesn’t come to mind. However, in their respective professions, both men used a common talent to ascertain votes in a highly competitive race.

“I think my acting career helped out there towards the end,” Stoudemire said.

Although STAT might not have exactly won one for “The Gipper” on Thursday, he came close as he became the only Sun voted in as a starter for the Western Conference in the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. While Reagan used his acting notoriety to become Governor of California and eventually the President, Stoudemire used a viral video campaign showcasing his acting skills to narrowly edge San Antonio’s Bruce Bowen for the second forward spot on the West’s starting roster.

The former Rookie of the Year conceived of the idea for the video spots after the first balloting returns were released. At that point in time, STAT was only trailing San Antonio’s Tim Duncan.

In an effort to secure a spot in the league’s midseason showcase, Stoudemire produced a series of light-hearted videos that featured him and the fictional character Jay “The Superfan” Johnson. The spots centered on Johnson humorously patronizing Stoudemire while adopted the personas of people like Shaquille O’Neal, George Washington and Barack Obama. The videos all appear on the website vote4amare.com, which STAT created for the campaign.

“It was something that initially started off with Yahoo.com and then it turned out so well that we tried to make it a part of an All-Star push,” the 26 year-old forward said. “We just wanted to create a buzz and that’s what we came up with.”

The campaign seemed to have served its purpose for Stoudemire, who fell behind Denver's Carmelo Anthony in the balloting over the last few weeks.

“I was never nervous or worried,” he said. “I think being a starter is a positive movement forward for me, but even if it didn’t happen, my congrats would have gone to the guys that were named the starters.”

This is the fourth time that Stoudemire has been named an All-Star and the first time that he’s been voted in as a starter. Thus far this season, the seven-year veteran has averaged 21.3 points, eight rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game.

He ranks in the top 15 in the league in scoring, field goal percentage, efficiency, free throw attempts and free throw makes. STAT is the first Sun to be named a starter since Steve Nash in 2006 and the first frontcourt player to receive that honor since Charles Barkley in 1996.

In the past, Stoudemire has had the daunting task of competing for a starting spot against Houston’s Yao Ming. Daunting not only for Yao’s play, but for China’s voting population of 1.3 billion people.

“If I would have stayed at center, I would probably have never seen this day,” he joked.

In fact, teammate Shaquille O’Neal is faced with the same dilemma this season that once stymied Stoudemire in the past. O’Neal only trailed Yao on the Western Conference ballot and is hoping that the coaches vote him in as a reserve. Another teammate, Steve Nash, who currently ranks third in the league in assists and second in free throw percentage, is also hoping to be named as a reserve.

STAT will join the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, the Spurs' Tim Duncan, the Hornets' Chris Paul and the Rockets' Yao in the Western Conference's starting lineup. They will be competing against the Heat's Dwyane Wade, the Celtics' Kevin Garnett, the Pistons' Allen Iverson, the Magic's Dwight Howard and the Cavs' LeBron James, who were all named starters for the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for Nash and O'Neal, they'll have to wait to see if the coaches vote them in next week.

“I think those guys are paying well enough this season to be All-Stars,” Stoudemire said. “It’d be phenomenal to have all three guys be in the game.”

Normally, the more All-Stars per team the better, but it would be extra sweet for the Suns to have more representation at the festivities, considering that Phoenix is the host city. Stoudemire, for one, is excited at the prospect of staying close to the nest.

“I think the main thing is to be able to enjoy the festivities of All-Star Weekend,” he said. “Then to be a starter and play in front of my main fan base here in Phoenix – it’s a great accomplishment for me and for the team.”

The All-Star Game is a great environment for players to display their skills, but it is particularly suited for players like Stoudemire. In last season’s contest, STAT was in the running for the game’s MVP, tying a team-high with 18 points before the West lost a tight one to the East. In 2007, he poured in 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a West romp over the East before narrowly being edged out by the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant for MVP.

With a tempo that suits his style of play and a couple of near-miss MVPs under his belt, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Stoudemire took home those honors this year. STAT, however, believes that it all comes down to how the game develops.

“I think the All-Star Game is all about enjoying the first half and then trying to win the game in the second half,” he said. “It’s all about running-and-gunning, having fun, playing playground ball until the fourth quarter, so it’s definitely my style; playing carefree but still trying to win the game.”

Away from the lights of the game, many of the players revel in the opportunity to visit with each other and enjoy events away from the floor. As the owner of the acclaimed restaurant and sports bar located directly across from the arena, Stoudemire’s, the Suns star will be doubling as both a host as well as a player.

“We have a few things going on at Stoudemire’s,” he said. “There should be a party on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is right across the street from the Convention Center and Jam Session so we’re really trying to do some friendly activities for All-Star Weekend.”

Although the flashy forward enjoys seeing his friends from around the league during that weekend, he’s looking forward to spending some time with one in particular: Houston’s Yao Ming. So don’t be surprised if you see the two strolling around downtown together.

“I don’t think that he’s been to my restaurant yet, but All-Star Weekend will be a great opportunity for him to come and hang out there,” he said.

Despite all of the activities of the weekend, Stoudemire hopes that the fans realize that All-Star Weekend is about them and that he’s grateful for their support.

“I want to say to all of the fans that voted me in that I really appreciate it and that it wouldn’t be possible without you guys,” he said. “I love each and every fan.”

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