First Lady Rosalynn Carter visits Maquoketa

CARTER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 4/19/2007 at 07:40:10

Maquoketa Community Press, December 22, 1979. Article by Lowell Carlson, News Editor.
First Lady Rosalynn Carter's brief visit to Jackson County Thursday, December 20th(1979), apparently didn't hurt Jimmy Carter's bid for a second term among local folks.
In a series of telephone interviews Monday county residents who attended the afternoon event came away with a pleasant feeling about the soft spoken southern lady.
Some 1500 people crowded the Pearson Memorial Center's Janssen Hall Thursday to hear Mrs. Carter deliver a brief speech urging support of her husband. Mrs Carter then received well wishers who lined up patiently to shake the First Lady's hand.
While Mrs. Carter didn't grant any interviews to the press or the public she managed to convey the image of a sincere, supportive wife who has shared the political fortunes of her husband.
"I've been a Republican all my life but I think Mrs. Carter made a 'Jimmy' fan out of me Thursday" is how Mrs. Fred Cutting, Lost Nation, described her reaction.
Mr. and Mrs. Cutting were able to sit near the front of the hall Thursday when local Democrats made a special effort to provide the Cuttings with a good seat. With the aid of a wheelchair Mr. Cutting, 91, was able to pass through the receiving line to shake Mrs. Carter's hand.
Fred is a life-long Democrat and has been active in Clinton County party politics. Mrs. Cutting has voted Republican or split her ticket on numerous occasions, but says Mrs. Carter's performance on the platform and meeting her in person made an impression on her.
I just loved her. She is so soft spoken. I though that what she had to say was full of meaning and delivered in a very sincere manner.
A Maquoketa woman, Mrs. Diana Larson, 503 East Angus, says she came away with the same impression of the First Lady.
"She is probably one of the most impressive people I have ever met. She seemed to make it easy for everyone around her."
Mrs Larson, a teacher at Briggs Elementary School, accompanied three students from the third grade who presented the First Lady with Christmas greetings for Amy Carter.
"At this time I'd say yes I'm leaning toward Carter. Mrs. Carter comes across very well. I have met other Democratic First Ladies. Mrs. Johnson was warm and pleasant but I don't think she was as receptive to people as Mrs. Carter", says Mrs. Larson.
From Otter Creek another area woman thinks the crowd reacted positively to her. Mrs. David Phillips, Sr. said Monday that the audience showed great respect for the First Lady.