Posted on 11/03/2002 10:29:23 AM PST by NewHampshireDuo
NASHUA – On most Saturday mornings, Hudson residents John and Laurie Sutton sleep late. But yesterday, the couple was up by 7:30 and out of the house before 10.
The Suttons were among hundreds who attended a Republican rally in the gymnasium at the new north campus of Nashua High School, an event headlined by first lady Laura Bush.
Bush’s visit was part of a two-day, five-state campaign swing. In addition to stops in New Hampshire and North Carolina, Bush was scheduled to travel to Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota.
She arrived in the Granite State a day after her husband, who on Friday stumped for Republican candidates during a rally at Pease International Tradeport in Portsmouth. During his speech, the president not only sang the praises of fellow Republicans, but also commended their spouses.
The president said success in campaign races “requires good, strong women, in these guys’ cases, to carry them through.’’
On Saturday, the first lady practiced what her husband had preached.
“Everywhere I go, people ask me what they can do to help the president,’’ she said. “Elect these great candidates here to work with President Bush.’’
Campaign posters, many of them printed in the same shade of Kelly green as the blazer the first lady was wearing, suggested that Laura Bush had nothing to worry about. More than anything, voters came out Saturday to meet her.
“She’s a lady. She’s sincere,’’ said John Sangenario, who drove from Hampton with his wife, Jeannie, to see Bush. “She’s just so gracious, a real person instead of a phony.’’
Before the program began, Hollis Cub Scout leader Don Brooks and his wife, Ginny, said they were hoping to catch a glimpse of Bush and maybe get an autograph. Ginny was carrying a book by the elder George Bush.
“We’re very lucky to have a wonderful first lady,’’ Ginny Brooks said.
Her husband added, “She’s a real lady.’’
For more than an hour before her arrival, adults and children filed steadily into the school, passing pallets of bottled spring water set aside for the guests and sidestepping rally staff, Secret Service and local police. Some people were searched by a Nashua Police Department bomb squad dog, a chocolate Labrador named Boomer. Others stopped to chat with a woman who was passing out photos of Laura Bush.
Nashua resident Denise Coglin, a City Hall employee, said she and her daughter Emily, 11, were up by 6 a.m., excited by the prospect of seeing the first lady. Coglin was also hoping to use the experience to teach her daughter a civics lesson.
“I like George Bush, and I see the first lady with the president and I like what I see – just wholesome values,’’ Coglin said. “I admire her strength and loyalty.’’
It was cold inside the air-conditioned gym – almost as cold as the biting November air outside – but the audience sat patiently until Mayor Bernie Streeter formally welcomed them. Then, the Nashua Police Department Honor Guard presented colors, the audience said the Pledge of Allegiance and Nashua High School student Meredith Lustig sang a powerful rendition of the national anthem, followed by a performance by the B Naturals from Alvirne High School.
Gubernatorial candidate Craig Benson, U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg and U.S. Rep. John Sununu, a candidate for U.S. Senate, also spoke before the guest of honor was introduced. Also on hand was state Rep. Jeb Bradley, a candidate for congress in the 1st District, and former U.S. Sen. Warren Rudman.
Bush’s comments, delivered with a Texas drawl, were a brief and spirited appeal to the audience to support New Hampshire Republicans running for office. Afterward, guests crowded into an area in front of the stage, extending arms to shake her hand, asking for autographs and requesting that the first lady pose for family snapshots.
She obliged with a smile that never wavered, taking first one hand, then another; posing with one person, sharing a hug with another, welcoming a parent and child into her arms until the demands of her schedule forced a final goodbye.
As Bush was turning to leave, however, Merrimack Republican Town Committee Chairman Maureen Mooney, 27, pushed forward, shot out her hand and offered a heartfelt thank-you.
The first lady stopped, took Mooney’s hand and looked her in the eye. She was still smiling.
“She brings a certain class and style to the campaign trail,’’ Mooney declared minutes after Bush was whisked away.
Others who caught close-up glimpses of the first lady or shook her hand were likewise charmed. Many described Bush as gracious.’ Many said she was “the perfect first lady.’’
“She has a good, solid handshake,’’ said Steve McAllister, 23, a Manchester resident who works for Sununu. “You can tell she’s shaken some hands before.’’
Not everyone attending the rally was eligible to vote. For many, including members of several Boy Scout, Cub Scout, Girl Scout and other youth groups, the rally was a chance to observe the political process and get a look at leaders whose decisions affect their daily lives. Youth leaders also said the first lady’s advocacy for literacy and promotion of education set a positive example for children.
Wilfrin Ferandez, 17, Janail Archer, 15, Johanna Cortes, 14, Ramon Pena, 18, Amber Toegan, 15, Richard Jimenez, 12, Alex Lewis, 10, Olivia Duran, 9, and Dasha Bushmakin, 16, were at the rally as representatives of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua. The group presented Bush with a club T-shirt. Some members got autographs.
“It’s a good experience for the kids,’’ said Mario Pena, Hispanic outreach director for the club. “It’s good for them to realize that sooner or later their vote is going to matter.’’
...like her predecessor.
What a wonderful First Lady we have! Thanks for the ping, Kayak!
HEY! HILLARY! Eat your HEART OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!! No one ever accused YOU of this, did they? hahahahahahahahaha
And yes, our First Lady IS a lady in every sense of the word. GW is very fortunate to have her!!!
First Lady Laura Bush continues to amaze me with her sense of calm serenity and strength. The wonderful person that she is, shines through to all who see her.
May the fleas of a million camels infest your netherlands for that remark! May a desert dog in heat take a romantic interest in your right leg! May a Yak take a carnal interest in your sister!
Never happen...can't eat what ain't there!
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