* Tribune…
Fresh off a stinging defeat for Congress in 2006, Democrat Tammy Duckworth was asked by then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich to head Illinois’ Veterans’ Affairs Department and instantly handed a list of new missions to accomplish.
Her top priority, Blagojevich declared, was to step up efforts to sign people up for the state’s fledgling Veterans Care program, an initiative aimed at providing affordable and comprehensive health coverage to “thousands of Illinois veterans.”
At its high-water mark during her tenure, however, the program averaged fewer than 100 veterans enrolled, state records showed.
Now Duckworth is pointing to her work assisting veterans as a big reason voters should promote her from the U.S. House to the Senate as she challenges Republican Sen. Mark Kirk.
A Chicago Tribune examination of Duckworth’s record after a decade in public service shows several of her initiatives at the state VA fell flat, her subsequent post at the federal VA mostly focused on public relations and her two terms in Congress have been marked by only a few legislative successes.
The story reads almost like a massive oppo dump. It’s very long, but go check it out.
*** UPDATE *** From Duckworth’s campaign…
Good afternoon —
You probably saw this morning’s Tribune story, and I wanted to take an opportunity to set the record straight. Despite promising a comprehensive look at Tammy’s record, the story is an almost entirely negative collection of disconnected data points, and fixates on issues over which Congresswoman Duckworth had little actual authority. Moreover, legitimate and tangible accomplishments are mentioned only in passing, or ignored completely.
Tammy Duckworth’s work at the VA was praised by President Obama for, among other things, “helping to cut the number of homeless veterans in half.” In Congress, Tammy helped protect service members from predatory lending and pass legislation to help Veterans transition their skill sets to civilian work. And, Tammy co-authored the Clay Hunt SAV Act, which has improved mental health care for Veterans and is named after someone with whom Tammy worked. To quote President Obama, the Clay Hunt Act “is saving lives right now, and that’s because of Tammy.”
At the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, Tammy:
Implemented a first-in-the-nation mandatory PTSD screening program for Veterans
Created the first state-run 24-hour suicide prevention hotline
Allocated IDVA funds to increase counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder
Increased the rate at which Illinois helped Veterans find jobs from 34% to 62%
Helped start two legal assistance programs for Veterans in Illinois
These are among the reasons President Obama called Tammy, “a passionate advocate with a record to match” and why Tammy earned the following recognitions:
The AMVETS Civil Servant Of The Year Award
Veterans and Military Families for Progress’ Lifetime Achievement Award
Illinois’ Abraham Lincoln Veteran Champion Award
Disabled American Veterans’ 2008 Outstanding Disabled Veteran of the Year
The Tribune also focused on the deeply flawed Veterans Care program, which had been established and widely criticized before Tammy began her tenure at the IDVA. Tammy spoke publicly about the program’s issues in 2007, criticizing it for setting eligibility requirements too narrowly, which prevented Veterans from getting the care they needed. The story also fails to note that Tammy mitigated the issues with the program by channeling money to where it would be more effective until she was able to convince lawmakers to expand the eligibility rules, which happened toward the end of her tenure. As a result, access to care for more Veterans increased as she was leaving the Department.
The bottom line is that since recovering from her wounds at Walter Reed, Tammy Duckworth has dedicated her life to helping Veterans, and she’s achieved tangible results. It is of course fair to look at that record in total, but today’s Tribune story unfortunately fails to do that. Please see the documentation below, which highlights additional accomplishments with regard to Veterans, and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Thanks!
Matt McGrath
Deputy Campaign Manager
Tammy for Illinois
The rest of the e-mail is here.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:07 am:
===her two terms in Congress have been marked by only a few legislative successes.===
In fairness, Congress hasn’t done much in the past eight years, unless you count voting to repeal Obamacare.
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:08 am:
It’s accurate. She was never suited for this kind of work. Didn’t like it much. But, she did what she was told to do. Her life hasn’t been self managed for a long time.
Too bad. She’s a very nice lady. I’ve always worked for her opponents, but I’ve never not liked her.
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:09 am:
To even suggest “a few” legislative successes is t be extraordinarily gracious.
- Downstate - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:13 am:
I remember Blago’s VetCare project. He was running for reelection, and trumpeting it’s success.
The media asked for a count on how many were enrolled in the program (after spending millions in advertising). Blaog said they were still trying to compile the numbers.
Only after the election did he release the sign-up numbers. It was twelve. 12. One dozen. Must be a tough number for Blago and his minions to count to.
Little more attention was paid to this by the media. Millions of tax dollars wasted. Even cabinet members were dispatched to sign up Vets.
12.
- Union Man - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:14 am:
I’m still not re-electing Kirk
- Clarity - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:14 am:
@47th Ward:
Are you aware that eight years ago, the Democrats had the majority in both houses of Congress? The GOP took control two years later, so are you blaming Pelosi and Reid for the 2009-2011?
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:16 am:
Kirk will say and do anything to save his seat.
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:16 am:
They’re not wrong. Hardly a record worthy of a promotion, but such are the choices we have.
- quack - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:20 am:
Seems the tribbies are feeling a little guilty about that endorsement?
- Big Joe - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:21 am:
I still can’t re-elect Kirk, either. The guy can’t help himself from saying and doing stupid things. He doesn’t think before speaking. That’s taught to kids when they are in elementary school.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:22 am:
Thanks Clarity,
You made me nostalgic for the days when Congress passed major, meaningful legislation. Why don’t you remind us of all the accomplishments of the Republican-led Congress? I’m sure it’s a long list. It must be, right? For example, how many times have they voted to repeal the ACA, or to end funding for Planned Parenthood? How’s that working out for you?
- Former IL Resident - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:23 am:
I’ll join the chorus. They’re not wrong. As my nickname suggests, I no longer live in Illinois and have spent a fair bit of my time since I lived there in DC. I can comfortably say that Tammy is one of the, how can I put this kindly, “least intellectually curious” MoC I’ve had the opportunity to come across.
- Keyser Soze - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:37 am:
What does say about the Tribune editorial board that only last week endorsed Ms. Duckworth?
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:38 am:
–She was never suited for this kind of work. Didn’t like it much. But, she did what she was told to do. Her life hasn’t been self managed for a long time.–
Pretending that you have great insight into the life of a person you don’t know — again?
Koo-koo.
–I’ve always worked for her opponents,–
No doubt she appreciates that.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:39 am:
Makes the “endorsement” look even more idiotic and I did not think that was possible. Did someone at the Trib purposely spike this story until after the editorial board could put itself out there? Or worse, was the editorial board totally unaware that these issues have been out there and that this article was in the works? Dysfunction Junction.
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:46 am:
==Pretending that you have great insight into the life of a person you don’t know==
Hardly dude. I’m positive I know her better than you. We’re friendly. She doesn’t appreciate or not appreciate what I do. We’re on different sides. I like her a lot anyway.
I’m amazed at your assessment of what I know and who I know. You’re quite remarkable. I can’t decide from day to day if you’re more smart or more cynically arrogant. It’s a shame that I can’t just admire the first part.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:46 am:
–To even suggest “a few” legislative successes is t be extraordinarily gracious.–
Select your favorite Congresscritters, and give us the rundown of their legislative successes in the last four years.
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:54 am:
I do not accept the challenge. There have been none to speak of.
I’m not the one suggesting a few legislative successes, the Tribune is. I’m the one disputing it.
- Retired - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:56 am:
She will win!
- Clodpate - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 11:58 am:
A shallow piece that fails to dive into necessary details.
The “failure” of the Vet’s Care program is indeed Blago’s, if one defines failure as not meeting expectations.
There were never 9,000 uninsured vets in Illinois to be found and insured. The federal government insures all all who meet the federal definition of veteran. The only military personnel not covered by the VA are National Guardsmen who have never been called up to active duty under Title 10 USC, maybe 1%. Vets Care was to find the 1% ineligible for federal VA care and offer them state provided insurance.
Its a wonder Tammy found a hundred that met the criteria. Uninsured vets who were eligible for federal VA coverage were referred to and taken care of by the federal VA. Their numbers were not included in the Vets Care numbers.
- VanillaMan - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:15 pm:
I couldn’t give a duck’s worth for her election.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:28 pm:
LOL, Guy, I don’t know her at all. But unless you’ve been researching her life for years to write her biography, I’m quite certain you’re not in a position to make such definitive statement’s as to her life’s arc.
BTW, as someone who has always worked for her opponents, what was your role with Joe Walsh? Charm classes? Minority outreach?
- People over Parties - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:29 pm:
===She will win!===
What a thoughtful, substantive comment relating to the post!
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:30 pm:
To the update…
Matt,
Brevity.
OW
- Simple Simon - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:31 pm:
Like most elections, my vote is less about the specific person and more about national strategy. For example, if there is a Kirk, then there is a Majority Leader McConnell, so I could never vote for Kirk. Feel free to substitute similar names to your liking. I am sure most of us have similar concerns.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:32 pm:
pardon, 12:28 was me
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:55 pm:
===what was your role with Joe Walsh?===
In that cycle my role was….”voter”.
- Albany Park Patriot - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:57 pm:
What’s the point of the story? IF there is any news in there, it’s buried under an almost total lack of focus. Unless the focus is, “Tammy bad.”
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 12:59 pm:
To the update:
Amazingly, Matt McGrath (who I don’t know WS, aside from his brilliant prose shared here on CF) continues to have a job.
A 7 paragraph response. Wow. And an attachment with even more text. Wow. Wow.
It’s not even an interesting or good response. But at 7 paragraphs…it doesn’t really matter.
- Just gotta chime in - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:19 pm:
Senator Kirk has voted over 70% of the time with the Republicans, and is fiscally very conservative. When it comes to Iran, Israel, etc., he is right on the money. This is a six-year hitch. I can’t stomach having her in the office for that amount of time. She is one of the most ineffective legislators.
- Clark - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:23 pm:
Looks like buyers remorse to me
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:29 pm:
Good grief. Does the Duckworth camp have nothing else to do instead of sit around and wait for “rapid response” opportunities?!
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:38 pm:
What one hand giveth (ed board) the other taketh away (news room). Makes the Trib look so dysfunctional. Maybe one more reason why newspapers or outlets should not be in the endorsement business.
- Big Muddy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:44 pm:
To the update:
This response, by its very length, defends itself against the risk of being read.~Churchill
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 1:49 pm:
Mr. McGrath:
TLDR
Thx,
TS
- Ron Burgundy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 2:03 pm:
Yeah, don’t connect those disconnected data points, or they might start to form a picture. I think I learned that when I was four.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 2:04 pm:
Heh, Team Sleep. Matt is kind of too much in love with his own wordsmithiness, I think. This is not the first time.
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 2:04 pm:
Guy, you should coordinate with those different voices in your head.
– I’ve always worked for her opponents…–
“Always” would include Joe Walsh.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 2:05 pm:
Mandatory PTSD screening for veterans was a very big deal at the time.
She then followed up with required protocols to screen and test for Traumatic Brain Injury, because the treatment for TBI is different than for PTSD, even when some symptoms might be confused.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 2:33 pm:
My computer claims the Duckworth response runs 23 pages? My time is a little too valuable to spend reading that entire response.
I guess that too goes to the issue of being “effective.”
- A guy - Wednesday, Oct 19, 16 @ 3:21 pm:
==Guy, you should coordinate with those different voices in your head.==
Hard to do when I’ve got the “literal” WS occupying my every thought. Weird.