By Steve Tawa

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Sesame Street may object to the use of ‘Big Bird’ as a political prop in the recent presidential debate, during which Mitt Romney talked about cuts to PBS.

President Obama’s re-election campaign then followed up with it.  Philadelphia costume shops don’t mind the interest.

Sales of the 8′ yellow bird are said to be up post-debate, but not all area shops are licensed to carry the costume.

The outfits come in a number of designs, including adult, tween, child and toddler. Some feature a short yellow dress, orange knee-highs and a bird headband.

At Masquerade along Columbus Boulevard, a division of the superstore Halloween Adventure, Assistant Manager Jen D’Imperil says Big Birds aren’t exactly flying off the shelves.

“I haven’t seen anybody running up to ask extra for the big bird,” she said.

So then what is the most popular Sesame Street character in her store?

“Always Elmo. And it hasn’t changed,” she said.

Cookie Monster also seems to be is a perennial favorite.

“Last year, my teenaged daughter actually was cookie monster. She wore it this year at Disney.”

Her daughter was looking to be Buzz Lightyear this year, but they apparently don’t make that ‘Toy Story’ character for girls.