Courting the Amish

Via Joe Knippenberg at No Left Turns, today's Washington Post has a story that demonstrates how quiet, behind-the-scenes work can pay off. More than that, however, I think it reveals (again) a side of Bush's character that's invisible to anyone who believes the personal is the political.

The campaign set a goal of taking Lancaster County, Pa., where about 20,000 Amish live, by 70,000 votes; they took it by 70,896. All of the Amish interviewed in the story praised Bush's Christian values and some think they'll remain more politically active in the future -- provided the right kind of candidate is running for office. As for whether or not the Amish were manipulated by savvy handlers, here's what the Post reports:

Sam, the carpenter-journalist, had read reports suggesting that the GOP manipulated the Amish. That did not sit well at all. "They didn't come here just recruiting the Amish," he said. "They were trying to get anybody to vote."

"We're trying to get tickets for the inauguration," he said. "Do you know how to go about getting those?"