From the Webb campaign...(Arlington, Virginia) GÇö Senator George Allen routinely tells Virginians one reason they should vote for him is that they GÇ£knowGÇ¥ him. And now Allen says heGÇÖs finally ready to run on his record and ideas.Really?
Do Virginians know that while George Allen spouts his commitment to our national security and to our armed forces that the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America has given Allen a GÇ£D+GÇ¥ on issues that affect US troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans, and military families?
LetGÇÖs tell them.
Since September 11th, 2001, George Allen has voted against as many as 60 pieces of legislation important to US troops, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and military families, earning himself the deplorable grade of GÇ£D+GÇ¥ from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Action Fund. Currently, there are 6,265 Virginians actively deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. CTS Deployment File, 8/31/2006
Some of the votes that contributed to George AllenGÇÖs low grade include: Allen voting against funding to improve the research, development, test and evaluation of traumatic brain injuries of our soldiers; and Allen voting against establishing a special committee of the Senate to investigate the awarding and carrying out of contracts to conduct activities in Afghanistan and Iraq and to fight the war on terrorism. [Amdt no. 4781, 08/02/2006, Allen voted yeah to table the amendment] [Amdt. 4292; Allen voted nay; 6/20/2006]GÇ£George Allen has shown repeatedly that he is out of touch with the needs of the men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is just more evidence that George Allen doesnGÇÖt get it. He doesnGÇÖt have a clue about what to do in Iraq, and he doesnGÇÖt understand the fundamental issues concerning the troops when they come home,GÇ¥ said Webb spokesperson Kristian Denny Todd.
GÇ£We do commend George Allen for supporting one piece of legislation that passed the Senate, increasing funding for Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Centers. ItGÇÖs just a shame that idea couldnGÇÖt come out of his own fruition and he had to steal the amendment from Senator Durbin.GÇ¥ said Denny Todd.
GÇ£Jim Webb has spent his life surrounded by our military culture. He knows what sacrifice and commitment these men and women have to put their lives on the line for their country everyday. ThatGÇÖs why Jim has proposed a 5% tax break for veterans who have served their country honorably, and a new version of the GI Bill, which would provide more money for tuition for those who have served. There will be no greater friend in the Senate to our troops and veterans than Jim Webb,GÇ¥ said Denny Todd.
Lowell Feld is Netroots Coordinator for the Jim Webb for US Senate Campaign. The ideas expressed here belong to Lowell Feld alone, and do not represent those of Jim Webb, his advisors, staff, or supporters.