As a contributor to Paul Hackett's congressional and senatorial campaigns I was reading
his diary "Continuing the fight..." with some interest. Now among many here, Hackett's name is golden and as a result his diary made it to the reco list with many comments singing his praises and complimenting him. After following the link to
IAVA PAC, I have to think that many of those pledging support really don't understand that this PAC will also support Republican candidates for office.
After reading Paul's diary, I wondered why he never mentioned the Democratic party or the word Democrat in association with IAVA PAC. So I went to their website and discovered that IAVA PAC is not created to support Democratic candidates who are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. It will support candidates of either party who are willing to pledge to support policy objectives of IAVA PAC.
From Bob Kerrey's statement on the sites front page:
I am proud to stand with an organization that is doing the opposite - encouraging more Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of both parties to run for office."
From the endorsement criteria page:
Not all candidates will desire, or qualify for, our endorsement. Candidates will be selected after a formal process, with the following criteria being the key qualifications for endorsement:
-- Candidates must be Veterans of the wars in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, having qualified for the Iraq or Afghanistan campaign medal or qualified for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
-- Candidates must openly submit their DD-214(discharge papers) for review in order to ensure
their authenticity
-- Candidates will undergo a formal review process by the PAC and the Advisory Board to include personal
interviews
-- Candidates must sign an endorsement of the PAC's list of policy objectives, which are:
Demand from the administration a victory strategy for Iraq that includes hard success metrics which trigger American troop drawdowns so our forces can safely re-deploy from theater.
Mandatory full funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Thorough investigation of the failure to provide adequate armor for our soldiers, and that those responsible are held accountable.
An increase in the size of the active component army by eight units of action (brigades) and doubling the size of our Special Forces units in order to help relieve our over-extended army. (NOTE: This is not an increase in the number of troops currently deployed in Iraq).
Guaranteeing the exhaustion of diplomacy options by the President prior to approval for military conflict.
TRICARE (health care) for all members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families. As of July 2004, 20% of National Guardsmen lacked healthcare. Currently, Guardsmen and Reservists can buy into TRICARE if they are unemployed or are not covered by their employer. IAVA PAC supports extending TRICARE coverage to all Guardsmen and Reservists.
Lowering the retirement age for members of the National Guard and Reserve from 60 to 55.
An immediate 5% pay increase for our Armed Forces.
IAVA PAC will not consider party affiliation in the endorsement process. (bolding mine)
Now while it may seem unlikely that many GOP candidates will support IAVA PACs policy objectives, Matt Bellamy made a good point in the comments of Hackett's diary.
Definitely a big problem (none / 0)
IAVA PAC's list of policy objectives does seem to be written as a direct counterpoint to what President Bush has done in mismanaging the Iraq war and veterans affairs, but now that he's basically a lame duck, it's going to be very easy for Republican challengers, even ultra conservative ones, to sign onto this.
by MattBellamy on Tue Feb 28, 2006 at 06:58:01 PM EST
I admire and appreciate the objectives of IAVA PAC and they do have some good Democrats involved with their PAC. However, I cannot contribute money or support in any way an organization that will possibly support Republican candidates for office. I do support the concept of the Fighting Dems and although I may not support every one of their candidates involved in primaries, I will support each Fighting Dem that makes it to the general election. So instead of supporting IAVA PAC, I'll support the Band of Brothers who support Democrats who have served.