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President Bush Pardons Iowa Turkey, with a Smile

By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 26, 2008 at 3:08 PM CDT

Story Updated: Nov 26, 2008 at 6:42 PM CDT

WASHINGTON (AP) - With a smile and some nostalgic words, President George W. Bush spared the national Thanksgiving turkey, honoring a tradition that dates to Harry Truman's presidency.

The 45-pound bird named "Pumpkin" through an online vote, behaved quietly while the president presided over a Rose Garden ceremony today.

The other name on the ticket, a backup bird with the chosen name of "Pecan," was nowhere to be seen.

Both birds were raised at Circle Hill Farms in Ellsworth, Iowa.

Next article Northern Iowa Holds Off Kansas, 69-67, Advance to Sweet Sixteen

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