Daily Pioneer News

On the campaign trail in October 2004, U.S. President George W. Bush, along with first lady Laura Bush and former Wisconsin Governor Tommy Thompson, visited the Richland County farm of UWP alumni Mark and Rachel Turgasen. Bush is to be inaugurated for a second term Jan. 20.

PLATTEVILLE - As U.S. President George W. Bush prepares for his second inauguration, one family of University of Wisconsin-Platteville alumni remembers the day when the Commander-In-Chief visited their Richland County farm.

During a 35-minute campaign visit Oct. 26, just days before the Nov. 2 election, Bush toured the 75-cow registered Holstein dairy operation operated by Mark and Rachel Turgasen, both UWP alumni.

"He was very interested in the land - how many acres we have, what kind of crops we plant. He asked quite a few questions about wildlife and hunting in the area, and he talked about his ranch as well," Rachel Turgasen said. "We found him to be extremely personable and common, just like running into one of your neighbors at the grocery store. He didn't act like he was the most powerful man in the world. He acted like your average Joe. It was refreshing."

The president and the first lady even toured the barn and pet the cows. "They seemed really used to it. It almost struck us as funny," Rachel said. The farm is owned by Mark's parents Connie and John, the latter a 1969 UWP agriculture graduate himself. Mark has operated the farm since graduating with a degree in soil and crop science from UW-Platteville in 2000. Rachel is a 2001 animal science graduate. The couple's 18-month-year old son Logan is the fourth generation Turgasen on the farm.

Richland County Republicans recommended the family for the visit, Rachel said, noting that the family has no political ties to the group. Secret Service officials visited the night before, saying the president may or may not stop the next day.

"We all had a really tough time sleeping. We just never had that kind of an experience," Rachel said.

Rachel said it was exciting to have the sitting President of the United States visit, no matter what your political leanings.

"It was an extreme honor," Rachel said. "To shake his hand, I'm usually not at a loss for words, but at the that moment I just melted into a puddle."

The stop was part of a campaign trip through Wisconsin, considered at the time one of the swing states that would determine the election. Although Democratic nominee John Kerry won the state and it's 10 electoral votes, Bush was declared the winner of the national election and appears headed for a second term. President Bush is expecting his second inauguration Jan. 20 in a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Prepared by: Dan Lehnherr, UWP Public Relations, 608-342-1194, lehnherd@uwplatt.edu