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From the Daily Herald’s Animal Farm:
Democratic congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth gave both legs in sacrifice to her country, but that apparently wasn’t enough for the Veterans of Foreign Wars to endorse her.
Instead, the national VFW relied on the word of former Republican state Sen. Ray Soden of DuPage County to back Republican Peter Roskam in the down-to-the-wire 6th Congressional District.
Roskam tried to bill the endorsement as a major boost to his campaign in the final days, but found himself admitting he sat on the endorsement until the end for maximum attention. The VFW representative was unable to give much of a reason for the endorsement or explain how it happened, and Roskam looked stunned at the harsh questioning from reporters.
Duckworth is having a press conference soon. Stay tuned. Meanwhile, this press release was issued a while ago by VoteVets.org.
Veterans of the war in Iraq, General Wesley Clark (ret.), and former Senator Bob Kerrey today reiterated their support for Tammy Duckworth’s run for Congress, citing her strong support for troops and veterans, and Peter Roskam’s flimsy record.
“Let there be no question who supports the troops and veterans. It isn’t even close. Tammy Duckworth, literally, left part of her body on the battlefield, and uniquely understands the challenges that troops and veterans face, and is committed to helping them,†said Iraq war veteran Jon Soltz, who is cofounder of VoteVets.org. “Her positions are the same as every major veterans’ group, and Peter Roskam’s are against them in every way.â€
“Tammy Duckworth’s commitment to America’s troops and veterans is second-to-none,†said General Clark. “From asking the tough questions on the war in Iraq and demanding a victory strategy to support for veterans care and services, she stands above the rest when it comes to supporting those who have fought for this country.â€
“I know something about sacrificing your body for America, and coming home to fight for those you fought alongside. It takes great commitment, a strong character, and a deep understanding of what troops and veterans go through every day, at war and at home,†said Senator Kerrey. “Tammy Duckworth has it; Peter Roskam does not.â€
*** UPDATE *** AP:
The endorsement also caught Duckworth by surprise. Flanked by more than 20 veterans at a hastily called press conference, Duckworth said she was never contacted by the organization or asked to fill out a questionnaire, which typically happens when organizations decide who they want to endorse.“I think it’s unfortunate they did this,” said Duckworth, a former Army Black Hawk helicopter pilot who lost both legs when her aircraft was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.
Members of VFW posts within the district said at Duckworth’s news conference that their posts were never contacted by anyone about endorsing either candidate.
“He didn’t ask our post,” said Bill Bahr, a Vietnam-era veteran and quartermaster at a post in Bloomingdale.
Roskam said the endorsement came at the urging of area VFW members, but he said he did not know who in the group endorsed him or how many local veterans were involved.
Something doesn’t look right with this.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Curiouser and curiouser.
Roskam said the national endorsement was based on the recommendation by a few 6th District VFW leaders. The only one he named was Soden, a former head of the Illinois VFW who was appointed to fill out former Republican Senate President James “Pate†Philip’s term in 2003.Buttice said Soden sits on the national VFW’s political action committee board but had surgery Friday and was unavailable.
Bill Bahr, No. 2 in leadership at the Bloomingdale VFW post who backs Duckworth, said neither he nor his post’s leader were “approached in any way†about an endorsement in the race.
Roskam often tried to answer questions directed at Buttice and several times declined to say when he found out about the endorsement before finally saying “this week.â€
*** UPDATE 3 *** How worried are the 6th District Republicans worried about GOP turnout? This way over the top mailer should give you an idea.
*** UPDATE 4 *** From the Roskam campaign:
There is a lot of misinformation out there on the endorsement. here are the facts.
1. The Roskam campaign did not “sit” on the endorsement for political purposes.The campaign was notified on November 1, 2006 that we received the endorsement of the VFW PAC.
2. The Duckworth campaign DID NOT contact the VFW or seek their endorsement.
3. Local veterans contacted the VFW state and federal PAC urging the VFW PAC to endorse Peter Roskam. This was not soley engineered by Ray Soden. Mr. Soden was supposed to present the endorsement (as a former National Commander of the VFW), but he had an illness. Many veterans contacted the VFW to secure the endorsement and Mr. Roskam met with the State Commander.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:20 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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This will backfire for two reasons.
First, it reminds voters that Republicans control everything in Washington, apparently even the VFW.
Secondly, after doing a great job over the last three weeks of shifting attention in this campaign off of Iraq, Roskam just reminded everybody that Iraq is the #1 issue in this race and that Tammy Duckworth is a decorated war veteran.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:29 pm
Oh yeah, great job firing up the Veterans for Duckworth. You can bet they’ll be on the phones all weekend talking about how Karl Rove manipulated the endorsement, just like he manipulated us into a war.
An endorsement that ignores the facts on the ground. A war that ignores the facts on the ground, and Peter Roskam right in the middle of it all.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:32 pm
Did Roskam complain when the trial lawyers backed her? Noooo, now she complains about this. As for QOTD, lose the bias, media! She gets’ softballs and he gets questioned harshly.
Comment by Wumpus Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:33 pm
This coupled with the endorsement from NAMBLA that Roskam is sure to get because of his Speedo commercial probably wraps it up.
I love stopping in for cheap PBR’s, but is the VFW serious? Did she have to give up an arm, too?
If I may borrow a line, “WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?”
Comment by Ginsburg Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:37 pm
I’m not sure this will be a silver bullet for Roskam.
I’m a Repub for Topinka, and a vet, but am turned off by Repub candidates who claim to “support the troops” but who have never worn the uniform. I put Roskam in this category.
I don’t live in the 6th, but think among vets this will re-highlight the sacrifices Duckworth has made and Roskam’s lack of military service.
Comment by Rick Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:38 pm
I’ll be interested to see what happens during Tammy’s press conference.
Comment by wndycty Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:49 pm
Just for clarification, it was not John Kerry, but Bob Kerrey that spoke up for Duckworth.
Comment by schenked Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:51 pm
I support the Cubs, but never wore the uniform. Do I turn you off too, Rick? Your point is valid, but I don’t think having served in the military is necessarily a prerequisite for voting to provide our troops and their families with proper armor and weapons, medical care, mental care for the rest of their lives so they can get over the bs that they have to endure, and a living wage. That’s what I don’t like about Republican politicians. And Hastert is too fat. We have to pay for his health care too.
Comment by Ginsburg Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:53 pm
Rick,
You’re telling me that a candidate must wear the uniform in order to support the troops? I am very thankful for the service of our troops, however, just because they are/were a service member doesn’t mean they are automatically more qualified than a non-service member.
The Majority of Americans haven’t served in the Armed Forces, does this mean that their support for the troops is false? wrong? a lie?
If a person is wrong on the issues, I could care less whether they are a service member, nobel peace prize winner, family member, etc… if you’re wrong on the issues, I am not voting for ya, period!
Comment by Frank Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:54 pm
What a slap in the face to those that wear the uniform. I don’t know what’s worse–Kerry’s comments or this.
Comment by swede Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:01 pm
I am a vet of the Vietnam conflict and hold NO stock whatsoever for what the VFW does or doesn’t have to say. I think Tammy has earned our vote as long as she stays away from dipstick Blogo. He is a loser and she is not. As far as not serving in uniform….For those who fight for freedom, freedom has a special flavor that the protected will never know…. You can bet that Roskam doesn’t truly appreciate the sacrifice Duckworth and the many men and women like have made. Semper Fi!
Comment by Justice Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:02 pm
And by the way, you don’t have to serve to appreciate those who do serve. Just don’t use it as a battle cry in an election in an effort to elicit votes. If you want to use it as a talking point, then serve or show precisely how you support the troops other than through lip service. Duckworth has proven her right to use support of the troops as a battle cry.
Comment by Justice Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:08 pm
Shame on the VFW! You turned your back on a true patriot; one who sacrificed her limbs for her country. I’m ripping up my VFW card! I do not wish to be associated with hypocrites. Give your next endorsement and award to Dick “five deferments” Cheney.
Comment by Charles Martel Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:08 pm
The VFW should endorse who is best on the issues as they see it. However, they should be able to explain who is best on the issues that matter to them. That seems like the odd part of this story.
Holding it until today just kind of takes out the power of the endorsement. Bad campaign tactic.
No one should question whether Peter is against the troops either–he’s done some good work returning dog tags and the such to veterans.
That said, this is exhibit A in how to bungle and endorsement announcement.
Comment by Archpundit Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:17 pm
Justice,
For the record Rod has never lost an election. Tammy has never won one. We dems are united and support both Tammy and Rod.
Roskam is an chicken hawk who talks tough but can’t stand the heat.
Comment by Bill Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:25 pm
Shame on Roskam and the VFW. This Republican administration has been disastrous for our military - those currently serving and our veterans. They deserve so much more than the empty lip service they have been given. Nothing other than partisanship could possibly account for the VFW supporting Roskam over Duckworth.
Comment by Way Northsider Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:38 pm
The most politically expedient thing for Roskam to do given his opponent was to not seek the VFW endorsement. This political maneuver cheapens his campaign and adds credence to the guerilla campaign waged by Duckworth.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:44 pm
What the VFW did is an absolute disgrace to all veterans. As a serving Guardsman with over 24 years of service, I can assure you Major Duckworth’s positions on veterans benefits and our international strategies are far better than Roskam’s. We actually pay attention to these issues because were affected by their outcomes and, despite their rhetoric to the contrary, this administration is NO friend to the veteran and has actually reduced veteran’s benefits (including closing numerous VA facillities). Roskam would be one more Repub rubber-stamp.
Comment by 06 Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 1:57 pm
From the Roskam Website:
Press Releases Criticizing the handling of the war or even discussing it: Zero.
Press Releases calling for increased funding for veterans’ programs or equipment for our troops or even discussing it: Zero.
Issue Positions on Iraq or Veterans: Zero.
Press Releases attacking Tammy Duckworth: 15 of 35.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 2:03 pm
Correction:
Press Releases attacking Tammy Duckworth: 15 of 45.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 2:04 pm
Like I said. Major backfire.
If Duckworth’s smart, those 20 vets will be calling their members this weekend to vent their anger.
The locals probably couldn’t have endorsed themselves, but now they’ve got an excuse to call their members and express their outrage.
Loved the lead in the Tribune, BTW:
VFW committee endorses congressional candidate, angering some vets
By DON BABWIN
Associated Press Writer
Published November 3, 2006, 1:29 PM CST
CHICAGO — Rejecting a Democratic veteran who lost her legs in Iraq, the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ political action committee endorsed a Republican congressional candidate with no military experience.
The endorsement of Peter Roskam in a hotly contested open seat angered some local veterans who said their posts within the 6th Congressional District were never asked if they wanted to endorse Roskam or challenger Tammy Duckworth.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 3:23 pm
VFW endoresed Lamson (The Democrat) in Delay’s old district, and Maria Cantwell for Senate in Wash… I don’t think they’re Rovian tools.
Comment by Bill Baar Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 3:35 pm
Do the National VFW tyically endorse republicans in Congressional Races? This may be one of thsoe things where they always endore republicans, just like unions and the AFL-CIO ALWAYS endore Democrats, no matter how bad the candidate is.
Roskam may not have served i nthe armed forces, but he has been instumental in retuning Vietnam POW dog tags to familes, and his parents went to vietnam a few years back to claim lost dog tags of US Soldiers.
He also held his Ground Zero Flag Tour after 9/11, which bought flags of firehouses who lost personnel on Sept. 11 to suburban firehouses to locally honor those who were killed from the terror attacks.
Comment by pickles!! Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 3:57 pm
[…] Rich is calling it curiouser and curiouser […]
Pingback by ArchPundit » Blog Archive » It’s Not that Curious Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 3:59 pm
[…] Apparently, the State GOP has no problem sending mailers into the 6th District with Osama bin Laden on the cover and suggesting liberal Democrats want to cut and run from the fight. […]
Pingback by ArchPundit » Blog Archive » IL GOP Sells Soul to Devil, Still Losing Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 4:13 pm
Lets remind people of the war as much as we can and hope that it becomes popular in the next 4 days!
Comment by HANKSTER Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 4:23 pm
VFW endorses incumbents and republicans…and people the dupage machine tells them to.
Comment by Old Quack Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 4:47 pm
Is the Wiliam Bahr mentioned a former Corrections empolyee? Thaks
Comment by observer Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 4:49 pm
DOG TAGS !! ! Try wearing them. Semper Fi!
Comment by Charles Martel Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 4:57 pm
didn’t the VFW shun and dismiss Vietnam vets at first because they were perceived as “losers”?
If the VFW is dumb enough to endorse Peter “Rah-scam” (emphasis on the scam) whose only battles came as he was chasing ambulances and being a career politician, then we will know enough to never trust them again with endorsements.
Comment by Mike Williams Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 5:42 pm
Returning dog tags while cutting funding for veterans health care is typical - it’s all sizzle and no steak. I hope Peter Roskam goes down in flames. I am sick to my stomach when I hear Laura Bush talk about how our enemies are listening so no one should criticize etc. Does she think our enemies only listen? They understand that actions speak louder than words. Sending our troops foolishly into harms way for no good reason on made up stories about weapons of mass destruction tells our enemies all they need to know. There is no excuse for this. People are grieving all around our country, lives are shattered and the families of soldiers are physically, emotionally and economically broken. Sorry for the rant but I am so so upset about all these games being played. We need to look after our men and women in uniform. Look after them. Not wave flags. Take care of them. Body armor. Decent health care. Bring them home in one piece at the end of their tour of duty. Not force them to serve for longer and longer. It is time to walk the walk. Duckworth is doing it. Every day. Roskam isn’t. It’s as simple as that.
Comment by Way Northsider Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 5:47 pm
Geez…
If Duckworth hadn’t been wounded, do you think Rahm Emmanuel would have created her candidacy? Hecky no. She’s a shill for the Clintons, pure and simple. She has no business running for Congress.
And another thing. Duckworth took an oath of office in which she swore to protect the Constitution of the United States - the ENTIRE Constitution.
Well, as her campaign has progressed, she’s decided to pick and choose which parts of our Bill of Rights that she will defend if elected. Obviously, she’s decided to throw out the Second Amendment.
She needs to be reminded that she is duty bound to defend the entire Bill of Rights, not just the parts that suit Bill, Hillary and Rahm.
Comment by Frosty Da Snowman Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 6:23 pm
This is the same sort of blogger backlash that preceded Chambliss’s seven percent win over Cleland.
Comment by T.J. Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 6:42 pm
This Frosty character needs to be straightened out in the worst way. Being a citizen of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA makes it Duckworths business to run for Congress. If you are a U.S. Citizen and want to run for Congress you have every right to do so. If you don’t like her because of her party affiliation or some other reason that’s your business. But don’t say any U.S. Citizen has no business running for any office.
Comment by Chalkline Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 6:42 pm
T.J., I may be going out on a limb, but the national mood might be a little different in 2006 than in 2002.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 7:07 pm
[…] Fri Nov 03, 2006 at 03:15:35 PM PST So Duckworth (D) lost both her legs when her Blackhawk helicopter was shot down in combat in Iraq. She’s running for Congress against a Republican, Pete Roskam, who quite typically never served. Suddenly, today, out of the blue, the national Veterans of Foreign Wars endorsed Roskam. Unlike SOP for these sorts of things, the VFW never sent Duckworth a questionnaire. None of the local VFW chapters were contacted. Democratic congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth gave both legs in sacrifice to her country, but that apparently wasn’t enough for the Veterans of Foreign Wars to endorse her. Instead, the national VFW relied on the word of former Republican state Sen. Ray Soden of DuPage County to back Republican Peter Roskam in the down-to-the-wire 6th Congressional District. […]
Pingback by More on the VFW/Tammy Duckworth Non-Endorsment « Ya Think? Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 7:22 pm
This story is getting some major traction. It was just on CNN.
Comment by B Hicks Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 7:37 pm
Great news for Roskam.
Absolutely everyone honors Tammy Duckworth for her service to America and the sacrifices she will have to endure for the rest of her life, but that does not give her the right to take posession of a Congressional seat without opposition.
The VFW has decided that Roskam will be better for their issues in Washington. It is really that simple.
And I would ask those of you who feel that a disabled war hero should win just on the basis of that over someone who did not wear the uniform, if you all voted for Bob Dole in 1996….
Comment by Establishment Republican Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 9:54 pm
E.R. gets it.
Comment by T.J. Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 10:36 pm
The VFW is supposed to endorse the candidate that will be the better advocate for vets and soldiers. Duckworth by virtue of her previous educational and work experience is the much better versed candidate on healthcare issues and because of her military experience is the much better candidate on the needs of soldiers and veterans. She’s actually lived this stuff.
Peter Roskam is a lightweight. He has a long history of inconsequential “extra credit” acts like the dogtag recovery or the recycling program that while admirable on the surface reek of resume padding to bolster his credentials and advance his political career.
Comment by markg8 Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 11:19 pm
I believe a number of VFW posts throughout the Chicago area were having serious problems with declining membership eve n before this action was taken. It will be interesting to see if the outrage over this action will make that bad situation even worse, if some of the VFW members choose to leave for the American Legion or some other veterans’ organization.
You have to understand that membership eligibility requirements for the VFW are tougher than those for the American Legion or other groups. To be a VFW member, a veteran has to have served overseas during a period of conflict. For example, a soldier who managed to remain stateside during the Vietnam War would be eligible for membership in the Amderican Legion and the Vietnam Veterans of America, but not the VFW. As a result, it is easier to veterans leaving the VFW for another group than it is the other way around.
Comment by fed up dem Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 11:49 pm
Veterans of Foreign Wars Snub Double-Amputee Iraq Vet…
Things that make you go “Huh?”…
Trackback by Electric-Escape.net Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 1:14 am
The contrast in the respective campaigns is amazing.
While the Dems have Wes Clark and his outstanding “Because of Iraq” commercials, the GOP is bungling a VFW endorsement.
The GOP deserves to lose this one the way the campaign is being run. And then we have Charlie Johnson screwing things up downstate.
Hopefully the ILGOP will learn from this and clean house. Illinois needs two functioning parties to keep things honest. We’ve only got one now.
Comment by Skeeter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 6:05 am
Well said Skeeter!
Comment by Peachy Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 8:20 am
Ok. Roskam gets the VFW endorsement. And why is this bad for him again?
Comment by Tedbaxter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 10:48 am
Ted:
It is bad because the local VFW members had no say.
It is bad because the only person who appeared t have any say was a guy who served in the State Senate with Roskam.
It was bad because the endorsement was contrary to the standard VFW endorsement criteria.
It is bad because it made the VFW look partisan.
It was bad because the person there to provide the endorsement didn’t have a clue as to why the VFW was making the endorsement.
And of course it is bad because Roskam has no plan at all for Iraq and because the GOP cuts veterans benefits and fails to provide our troops with body armor, but that is another matter completely.
Comment by Skeeter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:00 am
Ok. Maybe Peter should get some Teamsters to complain about their endorsement process. Or the Bar Assn. Wow, new political rules for the future, or left-wing bias?
Comment by Tedbaxter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:12 am
Tedbaxter, I’m sure if Roskam could find some Teamsters to complain, he would. But I don’t see the Teamsters out there complaining. I do see a lot of VFW members out there, outraged they were kept out of the loop and not consulted.
Good grief, Duckwork IS A MEMBER OF THE VFW! News flash, she served in a foreign war, lost both of her legs, and nearly one arm. She sacrificed to keep America safe so spoiled suburban brats like Roskam could be free to sue people and get rich.
This is backfiring in a HUGE way on Roskam, as it should. This backroom, shady rigging up of an endorsement that he’s done nothing to deserve, is a pretty good indication of the kind of guy he’s been in Springfield for 15 years, and it’s a good predictor of the kind of guy he would be in Congress.
Frankly, this kind of dirty, dishonest politics is hardly a surprise coming from a dog-bite attorney and a guy who used to work for Tom Delay. This kind of dishonest crap is right out of the Delay/Rove playbook.
Roskam definitely deserves to lose now. If he hangs on and wins, it has a lot more to do with the way that district’s gerrymandered.
But I really think this fiasco may cost Roskam the race.
Comment by Peachy Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:31 am
It’s my experience that local VFW’s don’t get involved in endorsing political candidates–and they will tell you that right up front if you ask them for an endorsement. So then to claim outrage when the national group endorses, well, it speaks for itself. If they were that outraged, their was nothing to stop the Bloomingdale VFW from endorsing Duckworth months ago.
Comment by Anon Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:54 am
Get ready to say hello to Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth. Peachy is 100% correct. The backlash on this will carry Major Duckworth to Washington.
Comment by Mike Williams Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 3:07 pm
Wow rich — If you are going to cut and paste “facts” from an e-mail from the Roskam campaign you can at least take out the obvious “we” reference (see item #1).
Comment by Calling-u-out Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 4:07 pm
Please remove the last posting, I see now that it was headlined as a Roskam response. My faith in you Rich is fully restored.
Comment by Calling-u-out Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 4:09 pm
To think the Duckworth people called the Cegelis people sore losers!
Comment by T.J. Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 4:34 pm
The VFW is a cut above the American Legion and members of both organizations know that.
The VFW is also one of the most savvy political organizations there is.
If they endorsed Roskam, they know he’s going to win.
Comment by True Observer Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 5:32 pm
TO:
At this point, it is not even clear that there is a real VFW endorsement.
All they have is the endorsement of a guy who used to serve in Springfield with Salvi. It is not at all clear that he has any sort of right to endorse anyone on behalf of the VFW.
Comment by Skeeter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 6:06 pm
That last post should have said “used to serve in Springfield with Roskam.”
I get my personal injury lawyers mixed up at times.
Comment by Skeeter Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 6:08 pm
Roskam is pro-gun
Duckworth is a gun grabber
Thus, Roskam is the better choice
Comment by Frosty Da Snowman Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 7:01 pm
[…] letter to Hulsoff in the above link is actually dated October 4th. It’s possible that the letters were staggered, but most placesdo their endorsements at meetings at one time so this is, let’s say odd. In fact, the 2004 endorsements made it into the VFW Magazine for October. On top of that, Bernie Sanders has been touting his endorsement since at least mid-October so something isn’t adding up here from the Roskam camp response that Rich Miller has up. [link] […]
Pingback by ArchPundit » Blog Archive » About that VFW Endorsement Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 8:20 pm
ER: And I would ask those of you who feel that a disabled war hero should win just on the basis of that over someone who did not wear the uniform, if you all voted for Bob Dole in 1996….
Did the VFW endorse Bill Clinton? We are talking about endorsements from a VETERANS organization, not votes.
Comment by Rover Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 9:14 pm
[ Wumpus - Friday, Nov 3, 06 @ 12:33 pm]
Did Roskam complain when the trial lawyers backed her? Noooo, now she complains about this.
Is this a serious response? The VFW is an organization for veterans - Peter Roskam is not a veteran.
As a veteran and a woman, I understand the confusion on the part of the VFW. It’s like they can’t quite get their WW2 mindset wrapped around the fact that women served and are serving, even though women served in WW2.
Comment by Kitt Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:37 pm
Is The GOP Headed For A Watershed Defeat In 2006 Midterm Elections?…
Is the GOP headed for a watershed defeat in Tuesday’s election — one that’ll elicit references to 1964 (Republican debacle) and 1994 (……
Trackback by The Moderate Voice Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:38 pm
[Tedbaxter - Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 10:48 am:]
Ok. Roskam gets the VFW endorsement. And why is this bad for him again?
Because Roskam didn’t serve in the military, he more than likely doesn’t meet the criteria (”Must be a citizen and have been in certain combat areas. VFW Membership is available to all U.S. Citizens, honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed forces who have earned an overseas campaign medal.“) Thus - the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Get it?
Comment by Kitt Saturday, Nov 4, 06 @ 11:44 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Nowwww I see. ???
Comment by Tedbaxter Sunday, Nov 5, 06 @ 12:08 am
Btw, Did The GOP vets who didn’t get the VFW endorsement pull this con?
Comment by Tedbaxter Sunday, Nov 5, 06 @ 12:11 am
My sense is Duckworth is gonna win this thing. I didn’t think even Roskam’s poor campaign could lose in this Hard R gerrymandered district.
But my sense is Tammy has the Big Mo. The energy seems to be on her side. The VFW thing has blown up in Roskam’s face, and the GOP’s negative attacks have gone way over the top.
Yesterday for the gotv effort, it looked like all Roskam could muster out were a handful of mostly college kids to go door to door. Then you had party chairman Andy McKenna there in a suit, doing nothing, but dropping some buzzwords that someone put in his head, like “microtargeting.”
It looks like a tsunami is racing towards the GOP that will leave few survivors on Tuesday.
Comment by Peachy Sunday, Nov 5, 06 @ 11:32 am
I am a former VFW member; I joined because I am a proud vet, and I left because the right-wing pablum in every publication they mailed to me; I am a moderate, and while I know the VFW PAC does endorse intelligently (Mikulski) for vets, this kind of endorsement does not surprise me. Anyone voting on VET issues should vote Duckworth. I might point out that abortion, gun rights, gay marriage and other hot button conservative issues are not vet issues. Some vets may care about them, but they have nothing to do with the VA or proper management of the military.
Semper Fi,
Terry
Comment by Terry Mahoney Sunday, Nov 5, 06 @ 12:33 pm
[…] Rather than considering a candidate who is a veteran, the VFW may rely on Republican backroom suggestions instead of actual service records while endorsing her opponent who has zero military experience […]
Pingback by A new “Fighting Dem” For Illinois 6 « Illinois Reason Monday, Oct 15, 07 @ 4:16 pm