Five State Turkey Pardons

By National Journal staff

Updated: November 23, 2011 | 11:56 a.m.
November 23, 2011 | 11:55 a.m.

You saw President Obama pardon Liberty and Peace on Wednesday morning. But did you know that a few states also have their governors pardon turkeys?

North Dakota: Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) pardoned a turkey

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple pardons Dakota the turkey on Monday, Nov. 21. (North Dakota Governor's Office)

appropriately named Dakota on Nov. 21. “Do hereby pardon Dakota from having to give his life to Thanksgiving Day," Dalrymple said. "I don't know. He doesn't look like he appreciates it.”

Utah: Gov. Gary Herbert (R) pardoned 47-pound Lucky Tom on Nov. 22 at an attraction called Thanksgiving Point in Lehi.

Iowa: Gov. Terry Branstad (R) pardoned two turkeys, Mildred and Marty, on Nov. 21. According to the Associated Press, Branstad's 2-year-old granddaughter asked for the turkeys to be taken to the governor's mansion for lunch. But instead, they were taken to a farm in Urbandale.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton pardons Ted the turkey on Friday, Nov. 18. (Minnesota Governor's Office)

Alabama: Gov. Robert Bentley (R) pardoned Clyde the turkey on Nov. 15. "We need to be thankful for all the blessings that we're given in this great nation of ours and you know there will be some people at the Thanksgiving table who won't be there this year," Bentley said. "We had 250 people lost in the tornadoes."

Minnesota: Gov. Mark Dayton (D) pardoned Ted the turkey on Nov. 18. “I’m better with dogs than I am with turkeys,” he quipped.

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