Campaign Finance Activist Granny D Dies At 100
Doris "Granny D" Haddock, the New Hampshire woman who walked across the country at age 89 to promote campaign finance changes has died. She was 100.
STEVE INSKEEP, host:
We're sorry to inform you that the political activist known as Granny D died yesterday - at the age of 100. More than a decade ago, Doris Granny D Haddock launched a one-woman cross-country walk for campaign finance reform. She was a mere 89 then.
Our own Daniel Zwerdling spoke with her often as she made the more than 3000-mile trek from California to Washington.
DANIEL ZWERDLING: Granny D, where are you today?
Ms. DORIS HADDOCK (Political Activist): Today Im in what they call Big Springs, Texas.
ZWERDLING: How many miles have you gone since you began walking across the country?
Ms. HADDOCK: Probably over 1300 miles so far.
RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
Granny D crossed deserts, climbed mountains and braved blizzards, becoming a national celebrity along the way.
Ms. HADDOCK: As I walk along the frontage roads, next to me are the interstates and there are the great trucks. And many of them recognize me and they toot their horns at me - sort of spurs you on to say, look Im walking for you.
MONTAGNE: Granny did make it to Washington D.C. where she continued lobbying for the cause.
INSKEEP: In fact, she ran an unsuccessful Senate race in 2004 at the age of 94. And she later wrote a book about her exploits, subtitled Youre Never Too Old To Raise a Little Hell.
Its MORNING EDITION from NPR News. Im Steve Inskeep.
MONTAGNE: And Im Renee Montagne. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.
