[Ursus arctos horribilis]

"The term Copperheads apparently came from the habit of some midwestern, hard-money Democrats of wearing copper pennies around their necks."

Copperhead snakes are renown for stealthily lying around ones house & such, then striking when you are unsuspectingly reaching out with your hand in the yard or barn. I think this more aptly fits the sneaking and cowardly democRATs.

[Vision]

I think you're right. I believe I remember snakes used in old political satire cartoons.