Mike Bobseine, Democratic Party candidate for the 150th state Assembly seat currently held by Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, is pictured with the statue of President Abraham Lincoln and Grace Bedell in Westfield.

With the young Grace Bedell looking on, President Abraham Lincoln signed Democratic Assembly Candidate Mike Bobseine’s nominating petition recently in Westfield.

“It was a great thrill for me to get support from such an icon of the Republican Party,” Bobseine said.

Bobseine said he appreciated the help he received from Grace Bedell, who encouraged President Lincoln to grow a beard and sign his petition.

“Grace offered to sign my petition, as well,” said Bobseine. “Being only 11 years old, however, I told her she’d have to wait.”