PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/13/1986 - HFSID 310829

GEORGE H.W. BUSH
With the 1986 Congressional campaigns in full swing, the then Vice President thanks a supporter after a "terrific rally" in Colorado Springs and wishes her luck in a future Olympic quest.
Typed Letter signed: "George Bush", 1 page, 6¼x4, affixed at a 7½x9 matted board. October 13, 1986. On Vice Presidential card with matching envelope postmarked Memphis Tennessee. To Joan Johnson, Colorado Springs, Colorado. In full: "I'm thrilled I got a chance to see you 'face to face' during my trip to Colorado Springs. The turnout at the rally was terrific - thanks for being there. Best of luck in your quest for a spot on the '88 Olympic team. Barbara and I are pulling for you! Please send our very best wishes to your mother. Warmest regards."  ALS and accompanying envelope are affixed to a 7½x9 board. George Herbert Walker Bush (b. 1924) was Ronald Reagan's Vice President (1981-1989) before serving as 41st U.S. President (1989-1993), the first incumbent Vice President to be elected President since 1836. Bush's distinguished resume included oil company executive, Texas Congressman, Chairman of the Republican Party, Director of Central Intelligence, Ambassador to China and Ambassador to the United Nations. As President he conducted a largely successful foreign policy, including the first Gulf War against Iraq, Operation Desert Storm, and the 1989 invasion of Panama to depose General Manuel Noriega. Public disappointment with his domestic record - a weak economy and violation of his campaign promise not to raise taxes, probably cost him a second term. His son, George W. Bush, became 43rd president in 2001 and served two terms. This letter, written after a rally in Colorado Springs and postmarked from Memphis, was obviously written while the Vice President was in full campaign mode, three weeks before the Congressional elections. Unfortunately for the Vice President, the elections did not go well. Democrats gained 8 seats in the US Senate to take control of that body 55-45, while enlarging their majority in the US House of Representatives. Bush was campaigning in Colorado in hopes of picking up the seat of retiring Democratic Senator Gary Hart, but Democrat Tim Wirth held the seat by a very narrow margin. Adhesive residue on verso of board.  Paper towel used to cover the adhesive. Corners worn. Fine condition.