If you get to Austin, you've got to see the homeless guy in the thong and tiara on Congress Avenue.

Leslie, an Austin icon -- is a homeless cross-dresser who recently ran for mayor and came in second. You can probably find Leslie now standing in front of One American Center in bad makeup, pink Spandex and stacked heels. For some time, the Downtown Austin Alliance has tried to get Leslie off the corner in front of One American Center because his lacy black thong, high heels and a bodaciously padded halter top clash with the high rise's image.

Leslie runs for Mayor

Cochran has been controversial because his presence at West Sixth Street and Congress Avenue is considered by some merchants to be an eyesore. Austin police have arrested Cochran at least 28 times Most of the charges have been dismissed, according to court records. "The media's kind of made Leslie an icon around town," Betts said. "I'm not sure that flashing your butt on Sixth and Congress, that that's the kind of icon to have."

Leslie suffers a legal setback

However, most Austinites do, judging from the smiles of many of the suited or pantyhosed downtown workers who passed by Leslie one day last week. He's like Madonna. He can go by one name, and you still know who he is. Recently, an independent polling organization found that in terms of commercial branding, Leslie had the highest recognizability quotient in the city. No commercial entity even came close.

What's the secret of Leslie's high visibility, his untouchable brand rating?

It starts with refrigerator magnets.

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