One of America's most colorful activists has left us:
Former U.S. Senate candidate and longtime political activist Doris "Granny D" Haddock has died. She was 100.
Haddock gained national recognition when she walked across the country to call attention to the issue of campaign finance reform. The trip started in 1999 and ended in 2000.
"At 90 years old, I walked across the country -- 3,200 miles," she told News 9 in a January interview. "I walked every step."
Born in Laconia in a time when there was no electricity and only two cars were on the street, Haddock said that she wanted to be an actress but was asked to leave college when she got married in 1930.
"I set up a one-man show and went around to the various small villages in New England and did a stand-up show," she said. "My word, I haven't told anyone about that in years."
Reaction to news of Haddock's death came in swiftly from Granite State political figures.
"Doris 'Granny D' Haddock was eloquent, funny, powerful -- and one of a kind," said U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes. "New Hampshire lost a hero tonight, and while Granny D will be truly missed, she will never be forgotten."
I got to meet Granny D. during her 1999 walk, and again in 2000 at a campaign rally, and I found her to be a truly delightful person. She was quietly fiery, if such a contradiction in descriptions is possible. Always charming, she was dedicated to reforming the campaign system so that we might actually elect people who truly represent us. An idealistic crusade to be sure, but one she advocated with great courage and character.
She will truly be missed.
2 comments:
With no one to take her place as far as I know.
how well I remember the documentaries and her perseverance..sad..
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