Politician’s claim as tallest might be a stretch

BISMARCK, N.D. – It didn’t take long for a New York City councilman’s claim that he’s the world’s tallest male politician to draw some challenges.

Robert Cornegy Jr., a 6-foot-10 (208 centimetre) councilman from Brooklyn, was certified by Guinness World Records in January and honoured for the distinction this week at a City Hall ceremony.

But North Dakota’s insurance commissioner, Jon Godfread, quickly stepped forward to say he will contest the title. Godfread, who played basketball at the University of Northern Iowa and played professionally in Germany, says he’s 6-11 3/4 (212 centimetres).

Brad Sellers, a former Ohio State and Chicago Bulls star listed at 7 feet (213 centimetres), also says he has a claim. Sellers is the mayor of Warrensville Heights, Ohio.

Former NBA basketball player Yao Ming could top them all. Yao is a delegate in the advisory body to China’s National People’s Congress. He is listed at 7-feet-6 (228.6-centimetres).

Godfread says he didn’t know “being a tall politician was a thing.”