STAFF WRITER

Published: Friday, September 19, 2008 
Updated: Friday, September 19, 2008 4:14 AM EDTBy Coulter Jones

MOOSIC - First lady Laura Bush spent more than an hour Thursday trying to reaffirm the importance of Republican Chris Hackett’s race against Rep. Chris Carney, D-10.

Mrs. Bush spoke at a brunch fundraiser for Mr. Hackett at the Glenmaura home of Joe Amato. The $1,000-per-plate fundraiser also offered $5,000 photo opportunities with the first lady. The proceeds went to the state party’s Victory 2008 fund and Mr. Hackett’s campaign.

The event was closed to the public and media, but people who attended said Mrs. Bush told the crowd to vote for Mr. Hackett because of his “conservative values,” particularly on spending issues.

“She set the tone,” Mr. Amato said. “She was very warm and down-to-earth. She really did more and talked to more people than we expected.”

Mr. Amato, a Republican who cannot vote for Mr. Hackett because he lives in the neighboring 11th Congressional District, knows the Luzerne County businessman through mutual friends.

“I think he is what we need in Washington,” Mr. Amato said. “He has good business sense, and is the kind of person we need in Washington.”

Mr. Amato estimated more than 100 people attended the fundraiser.

Mrs. Bush is the most recent big-name Republican to campaign for Mr. Hackett, who party officials believe has a good shot at defeating a Democrat in what is shaping up to be a bad election for the House GOP. Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, have campaigned for Mr. Hackett, and former Pittsburgh Steelers player and former GOP gubernatorial candidate Lynn Swann will be stumping for him Oct. 9, his campaign said.

Many of the people who attended Thursday’s event said they were overwhelmed by how approachable Mrs. Bush was.

“I was really surprised,” George R. Shadie said. “She was so comfortable, she made all of us feel comfortable. The first lady showed how humble and gracious she really is.”

Mrs. Bush’s brief visit included a moment with some nonvoters as well.

Before leaving the region, the first lady’s caravan pulled over to meet with a half dozen children waving flags and holding “Welcome” signs.

“She was incredibly generous with her time,” said Nicole Kovalski, whose daughter Julia Kovalski, 8, niece Emma Lange, 11, and nephew Olivia Lange, 8, all were given autographs.

“They loved it. … They talked about their pets and she gave them photos of her dog and cat. They’re thrilled. I can’t believe she took the time to do that.”

Contact the writer: cjones@citizensvoice.com