Remembering JFK

The first political figure I have memory of was John F. Kennedy, during his race for the White House in 1960. I was seven years old. My parents were registered Republicans and my mother worked for the local Republican party. I grew up in a small town, population 2,000, and every election day my mother would get up early to go work at the only polling place in town.

I doubt that my mother was thrilled at my choice of candidates, but wanting to encourage my interest in politics she walked down the street to where the woman who led the local Democratic efforts lived. Her name was Gertrude Davis, but everyone called her Gertie. Gertie was thrilled to get a Democratic campaign button into a Republican house!

I'm so grateful that my mother encouraged me to become politically active. I think she would be pleased to know that I'm a full time activist today.

May 29, 1917 - November 22, 1963