Text of Ann WagnerCo-Chair, Republican National CommitteeThank you! Since President Bush tapped this soccer mom on the shoulder three-and-a-half years ago and said, "Help me grow the Republican Party," I've traveled all across this country, visiting 46 states many more than once.
None of it would be possible, of course, without the support of my loving family my husband, Ray, and our wonderful children Raymond, Stephen, and Mary Ruth. They are my personal heroes, and I love them dearly. In my travels, I've had the privilege to meet countless other heroes who sacrifice every day because they appreciate the courage and leadership of President George W. Bush. Phone banking, door-to-door visits, stuffing envelopes and all the work grassroots volunteers do -- are not the mundane tasks they appear to be. They actually can determine the fate of a nation. That's why I want to recognize grassroots heroes like Alexandra Hertel in the great state of Ohio. Alexandra is a single mother of an 11-year-old daughter. She puts in a full day at work to support the family, tends to the needs of her daughter, Victoria, and puts in the equivalent of another full day working the phones for President Bush. She's also volunteering at this convention! Another heroic story comes to us from Michigan, where 19-year-old Rita Arnaout was involved in a four-car pileup that nearly killed her in March. While doctors were operating, one of her lungs collapsed. It turns out there was a malignant tumor pressing against her lung and heart. Despite the debilitating effects of cancer treatment, Rita insists on continuing her work as a volunteer for the Bush campaign. Her doctor said he didn't think it was a good idea. Rita started crying and said, "But President Bush needs my help." She also says if someone like her can spend time working the phones for President Bush, we all can. Another grassroots hero is Frank York -- a retired veteran who is going door-to-door in Ohio and has registered almost 600 new voters. If Frank knocks on your door and you're not home Frank will come back again and again and again. His wife says Frank will knock on doors until his knuckles are raw if that's what it takes to re-elect President Bush. And from my home state of Missouri, let me tell you about a friend of mine Barbara Ladesich. Barbara served on the Republican State Committee for almost twenty years. She was quick with a smile and even quicker to volunteer when there was work to be done. We lost Barbara earlier this summer, but her spirit of volunteerism lives on in Kansas City and in cities and towns all across America. On behalf of the Republican National Committee, I have the honor of standing here today to say "thank you" to these grassroots heroes and all the volunteers on whose shoulders rest the outcome of this election and the destiny of this great nation. It was Abe Lincoln who said, "Make sure your feet are in the right place and then stand firm." Our president is right, resolute, and standing firm. And America is stronger because of it.
Thank you, and God bless. |
