George H.W. Bush & Barbara Bush Thank Supporter

George H.W. Bush & Barbara Bush Thank Supporter Following 1980 Michigan Republican Primary

An interesting lot relating to the unsuccessful first presidential campaign of future 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush (1924-2018), including a typed letter signed by Bush, and an autograph letter signed by his wife Barbara Bush (1925-2018).

George H.W. Bush ran in the Republican Party presidential primaries beginning in January 1980, facing off against formidable opponent Ronald Reagan. Bush proved a serious contender during the primary season. He won a total of eight national primaries: Iowa on January 21; Puerto Rico on February 17; Massachusetts on March 4; Connecticut on March 25; Pennsylvania on April 22; Washington, D.C. on May 6; and Michigan on May 20. Bush secured 55 delegates to Reagan's 30 in Michigan, yet as a counterbalance to this success, Bush lost Oregon on the same day. Bush dropped out of the race on May 26, just a few days after these thank you notes were sent.

The lot consists of letters addressed to Bush supporter Peg Molin of Ann Arbor, Michigan:

1. A 1p typed letter signed by George H.W. Bush as "George Bush" at lower right. Dated May 19, 1980. On a blue-bordered stock card with "George Bush / 710 North Post Oak Road / Suite 208 / Houston, Texas 77024 / (713) 467-1980" letterhead. A minor black scuff is located in the upper right corner, else near fine. 6.325" x 4.5." Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope postmarked from Houston, Texas on May 21, 1980. A rusted paper clip impression at left, and neatly letter-opened at top.

Bush wrote in part: "Thank you for your help and hospitality in Ann Arbor…"

2. A 1p autograph letter signed by Barbara Bush as "Barbara" at bottom center. Written on May 20, [1980] in Canton, Ohio. On a red-trimmed stock card reading "Barbara Bush" at top. Pristine. 6.325" x 4.25." Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope also engrossed by Barbara Bush, and pre-printed "Mrs. George Bush / 5838 Indian Trail / Houston, Texas 77057" on the return address flap. Neatly letter-opened at top.

Barbara Bush wrote in part: "Wow! What a vote from Michigan! A million thanks for all you have done for George! He's worth it!..."

3. A White House envelope addressed to Sharon Bush (born 1952), the wife of George H.W. and Barbara Bush's third son Neil Bush (born 1955). The envelope was postmarked from Baltimore, Maryland on April 18, 2002 during the administration of 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush (born 1946).

Reagan won the Republican Party presidential nomination and selected Bush as his vice presidential running mate at the Republican Party Convention in mid-July 1980. Bush would serve as Vice President between 1981-1989 and as President between 1989-1993.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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