Pre-orders begin for Presidential Barbie

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif., April 5 (UPI) -- California toy maker Mattel said this year's version of the Presidential Barbie was dressed by a designer who has made clothes for Michelle Obama.

Cathy Cline, vice president of Barbie Brand Marketing in North America, said presales for the 2012 Presidential Barbies began Thursday and the doll, the fifth version to be sold during a presidential election year, is being released in partnership with The White House Project, a non-profit aimed at encouraging women to seek political office, the New York Daily News reported Thursday.

"Being president culminates Barbie's career path," Cline told Forbes.com. "She stands for inspiring girls to be informed and involved in their local communities."

She said this year's version of the doll comes with a bright pink business suit designed by Chris Benz, who has made clothes for first lady Michelle Obama.

Mattel said the doll, which is scheduled to hit the shelves by August, will come in Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American and Asian versions.