Posted on 01/02/2012 2:04:42 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Ask Patrick Burke why he is spending a frigid, blustery New Year's Day in Iowa trying to help Rick Perry's presidential campaign, and he responds with a sobering answer.
Burke, from the North Texas town of Allen, says he is battling mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer, and isn't sure how long he may live. Fulfilling a civic commitment by participating in a presidential campaign -- specifically Perry's -- is on his "bucket list" of things he wants to accomplish before he dies, Burke says.
The 55-year-old Air Force veteran and former lawman is one of hundreds of volunteers sweeping into Iowa as part of a strike force to help the Texas governor bound out of a prolonged slump in the polls and fashion a desperately needed comeback in Tuesday's first-in-the-nation caucuses.
Burke, despite his failing health, logged 511 miles Saturday on dirt roads and desolate highways to talk to potential caucusgoers. Other volunteers are making similar treks as they fan out across the state to help build Perry's support in the final hours before the caucuses.
.....Renda Ashley, 52, of Harlingen made the trip with her 17-year-old son, Reagan, and 15-year-old daughter, Miranda. Reagan Ashley, who says he wants to enter politics and become governor of Texas, helped raise money for the trip by printing and selling posters declaring support for "Perry Troopers in Strike Force Iowa."
He notes that he won't be able to cast his first ballot in a presidential race until 2016. "Hopefully," he said, "I'll be able to vote for Rick Perry's second term."
(Excerpt) Read more at star-telegram.com ...
I started leaning Perry about 10 days ago, wavered back to undecided, and then went back to planning voting for him tomorrow nite.
Three basic reasons: His positives outweigh his negatives, he has solid executive experience, and his platform is the most sweeping and broad brushed on a number of issues. He also get’s a bit radical on some things I’m radical about too, like energy and the Federal Reserve.
Wonderful! Thank you so much for letting me know.
BUMP!
OK, I understand now. Thanks.
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