Centenarians For W

Earlier today we received a report from long-time friend of Fraters Rick, that his one-hundred year old grandmother had decided to vote for the first time ever this year. And she'll be pulling the lever for Bush. Here's Emma with her voter registration form:




And here's a write up on the event from a Fergus Falls Bush/Cheney '04 volunteer:

Emma Torkelson, 100 year old resident of the Broen Memorial Home in Fergus Falls, MN registered to vote for the first time in her life on Friday Sept. 24, 2004. Wayne Stein, Otter Tail County Auditor was on hand to receive her registration application and also her absentee ballot request form. Mr. Stein had no recollection of there being any older first time registers in Otter Tail County history. State Representative Bud Nornes also paid a visit to congratulate her. Emma's absentee ballot will arrive in the mail in October, and her family will be there to share the experience with her when she casts her first vote - for George W. Bush.

Emma turned 100 June 2, 2004 and celebrated with a family party, and received (as she had requested) 100 roses from her three children and their spouses. She also enjoyed receiving letters from George W. Bush, Laura Bush (separately), Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Senator Norm Coleman, State Senator Cal Larson and State Representative Bud Nornes.

Emma states she's not ever been "a politician" but the president's stance on abortion and the marriage amendment have made her want her to vote this year. Her parents were life long Democrats, and she figured she always was one too. They both voted, and she can't say why she never did. When asked if she'll vote again in four years she stated "I suppose I will, if I am still living."

Emma is a committed Christian whose outspoken appreciation for the religious and moral values of President George W. Bush, along with the encouragement of her family, prompted her to register. Her son Bob, stated that she's been talking about how she doesn't like John Kerry, and how President Bush is a good man. "That other guy (Kerry) I never liked his looks since before he ran for president." She said "I just picked out my man, that I thought would be a good man." "I just happened to like Bush ever since I heard of his dad and mother and his wife Laura. They are all people I could talk to, down to earth."

Emma also had a brother named George and his wife who is still living, is Laura, that's how she always remembers the president and his wife's name.

Her husband Oscar, passed away 20 years ago. Oscar was a life long Republican. Her son thinks she never voted so she wouldn't cancel out her husband's vote, being a devoted wife. They were married 52 years. She has 11 grand children and 18 great grandchildren, all of whom are excited about grandma voting!

What a great story to end the week.