Granny D: A New Hampshire Treasure Made Of Gold

by: Rep. Jim Splaine

Sat Mar 29, 2008 at 21:03:37 PM EDT

Back then, I was fascinated by this somewhat short and unassuming woman who seemed to have a lot of get-up-and-go.  I enjoyed campaigning for and voting for this visionary, very positive human being.

But only in the past two years or so have I seen her quite up close (REALLY close when she gives you the patented "Granny D Hug"), and come to know, better understand, and even get to love this 98 year old New Hampshire treasure who is made of gold.

I could write so much about her, but watching her for a couple of hours this past Thursday as she experienced one of her greatest victories -- the New Hampshire State Senate approving a bill that she and her cause has inspired -- kind of sums up all about her.  

That legislation, House Bill 794, called "The Granny D Bill," creates a seven-member Commission to craft and recommend a public financing program for New Hampshire.  Whether that can be done is not the question -- some dozen other states have similar programs for at least some of their candidates, and Maine, Arizona, and Connecticut have rather complete systems.  And whether it WILL be done here is not the question -- it will be someday, because it is at least a partial answer to improving democracy and making it more accessible by more of our citizens.  It will happen.  It has to.

And all that is Granny D's cause.  She says the same thing -- that this will happen -- that we must do this not for ourselves, but for our future, and our children.  To hear her say that makes you believe that it will be done.  Because it has to.  

But what was remarkable this past Thursday was to see this energetic woman walk the halls of the New Hampshire State House, a building only a little more than twice her own age, with just a cane while leading her troop of supporters at a fast pace.  More on that walk in a moment.  

After being introduced to the Senate by Keene Senator Molly Kelly and Senate President Sylvia Larsen, she sat for close to an hour in the historic chamber for her bill to come up and be voted on.  It passed unanimously after two speakers, one a Democrat (Senator Jackie Cilley of Barrington) and one a Republican  (Senator Peter Bragdon of Milford) recommended passage.  Then Granny D stood to the applause and thanks of a gallery full of her longtime supporters who came from throughout the state to cheer her on.  

Then she stepped -- "ran" might be a better description -- out of the Senate into her crowd of backers while she answered questions from reporters.  In the midst of all this commotion Governor John Lynch walked up the stairs going toward his office.  He stopped for a moment to say hello to Granny D.  It gave her a chance to corner him on her cause...(more below fold)

After meeting with the Governor, she was off with her band of about twenty supporters in tow, including former Governor Walter Peterson, himself a special New Hampshire treasure who has been helping her in this cause.  

She went into Secretary of State Bill Gardner's office.  Bill has one of the appointments to the new Commission, and she wanted to be sure he starts thinking of who it should be.  She stopped for pictures and a little private chat.  There is clear respect and appreciation between Granny D and Bill Gardner, and they seemed to genuinely enjoy their moment.

Then it was to the elevator -- she was getting a bit tired by now, at least the rest of us were, so we preferred the elevator at this point -- and to the third floor to see House Speaker Terie Norelli, who will have two appointments to the Commission.  Terie welcomed Granny D and her crew to crowd into her office, as Granny D asked if she's given thought to who she will appoint.  Granny D has some suggestions and Terie seemed willing to listen.  Looking around and seeing Representatives Peter Allen, Betty Hall, and Barbara Richardson, along with Governor Peterson and several others in their 70s and 80s, I was awed by the wisdom and life's experiences compacted in the Speaker's office for those few minutes.  It doesn't get better than that.

After a few more hugs with her supporters and fans, next was a radio interview with a reporter about one fifth her age, so Granny D was off to that.  

Granny D has traveled nationally for "clean elections" campaign finance reform and public financing.  She's worked with Congresspeople and United States Senators nationally.  There's a popular movie titled "Run, Granny, Run" that's still playing on HBO, and is shown at various out-of-state trips she still makes.  The signing ceremony for her bill will have to be scheduled between her almost-continuous busy schedule of appearances.  

But back to this past Thursday, the thing I found most revealing about her inner strength and personal character was what I saw as she was leaving the State House after her victorious visit.  As Granny D walked out the front doors of the State House there was a group of visiting 4th grade students at the bottom of the stairs.  

Someone recognized her with her feathered hat (she IS a movie star, after all!), and the students and their teachers surrounded her.  From about 50 feet away I enjoyed watching this wonderful and charming woman who was not much taller than those gathering around being cheered by children who were awed by a lady who was probably twice the age of many of their own grandmothers.  They wanted to touch her, hug her, and get pictures taken with her.  

And tired as she must have been, she smiled and seemed to be reinvigorated by the love they showed, and she stayed to hug and touch those around her.

What memories those children will have.  

Granny D rocks.  She is an inspiration -- and an example -- for all of us.

What memories, and what lessons, she has given to all New Hampshire, and to the nation.  And to each of us who she has let get to know her.