Sat, Aug 07, 2004 - Page 7 News List

Amish communities `swept up with Bush fever'

US ELECTION While most Amish don't vote, those that do usually back the Republican party; in states where the vote is expected to be close, they could prove a swing factor

AP , BIRD-IN-HAND, PENNSYLVANIA

"If I know Republicans and their grassroots operations, they'll spend most of their time trying to phone bank the Amish," said Kerry spokesman Mark Nevins.

Not all Amish are comfortable with the Bush administration -- particularly the president's decision to invade Iraq. But John Fisher, who welds iron products in Lancaster and is father of seven children, said Bush's "focus on the family" will win his vote.

Of the war, "something needed to be done," said Fisher, a member of Lancaster's Amish community. "I don't agree with war at all. But he had to do what he had to do."

In Ohio, Amish have begun reaching out to the state Republican Party to learn more about Bush, said party spokesman Jason Mauk. An estimated 55,000 Amish live in Ohio -- more than in any other state.

"A lot of Amish Ohioans respect the president as a man of faith and someone who leads with conviction," Mauk said.

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