In a special surprise election held yesterday, TV food icon Rachael Ray was named President of the United States.

Her challenger, Martha Stewart from the state of New York, put up quite a fight, but in the end, Ray squeaked out a win in electoral votes. Many people cite Ray's ability to seemingly be in every single state in the country at the same time, giving speeches and cooking demonsrations for crowds of supporters. Others cite Stewart's time in prison as working against her.

This is really the most logical next step for Ray, who has 27 shows on Food Network, her own monthly magazine, a daily syndicated TV show, her face on various products in the supermarket, DVDs, a Christmas CD, cookware, a new endorsement deal with Dunkin' Donuts, and her own planet named after her. Ray has said that the first thing she plans to do as President is to add the word "awesome" to the Pledge of Allegience.

After the jump, the complete statement from President-Elect Ray.

• I love holiday issues of cooking magazines (I collect them), and Rachael Ray's is no exception. This is the Thanksgiving issue, and she covers everything from Herb-Roasted Turkey with Dried Plums and Stuffing to the best Pecan Pie.
• Speaking of turkey: have you tried making it on the grill?
• Holidays, of course, are made for booze! Check out these recipes for the Pumpkintini and Cranberry Punch.
• Check out what House star Lisa Edelstein eats all day.
• More recipes: Double Chocolate Scones with Cinnamon Butter, Crunchy Breadsticks, Shepherd's Pie, and Oatmeal-Raisin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
• In the print edition (should be on the site too, bu the link is wrong): You might be making candy this season (and you're certainly making some for our Candy Day tomorrow, right?), so check out which candy thermometers work best.

• It's the super summer issue: cookouts, bbq, road trips, beaches, you name it.
• Keeping with the season, it's the Burger of the Month: No-Joke Artichoke Spinach Burgers.
• Summer isn't exactly the time for stuffing, but Ray is holding a contest to find the best stuffing. Deadline is June 30.
• Diane Neal stars on Law and Order: SVU. She also loves pine nuts.
• 30 Minute Meals: Andouille Dawgs with Gumbo Sauce and Brutus Salad.