Decorated combat veteran, former Senator, former head of the VA and forever an American hero,
Max Cleland has dedicated his life to the fight for veterans' rights. This fight brought him to Southern Nevada to endorse
Tessa Hafen, a champion for veterans and their families, against incumbent
yes-man Jon Porter who consistently casts rubber-stamp votes against benefits desperately needed by veterans and active duty troops, votes that Cleland called a "slap in the face," to those who served.
Hafen's Statement:
Ensuring Quality Health Care for our Veterans
Currently, more than 50,000 veterans are enduring six month waits for veterans' health care, and this problem will only get worse with the growing number of returning soldiers. Many soldiers are coming home needing prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation services. However, in recent years, the Bush Administration and Congress have not provided adequate funding for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) and VA health care services. As a member of Congress, I will fight for an increase in resources for Veterans' health care services, so Veterans who have sacrificed for our country are not forced to wait months, or even a year, for VA services. I will also oppose all efforts to increase co-pays for prescription drugs or to institute enrollment fees.
Hafen said, "President Bush and the Republican Congress have broken the promise our nation made to Max Cleland and all those who served."
Speaking fluently and simply without notes, Cleland reviewed Porter's shameful record. He is justifiably notorious for voting for a $1500 bonus to all active-duty military in 2003 before Speaker Hastert's arm-twisters ordered him to switch, which killed the amendment. His excuse was that he approved "other" measures to help military, but the record shows this claim is untrue. He opposed extending TRICARE, the insurance program for military families and retirees to families of Reserve and National Guard while they are on active duty and severed from employment that provided health insurance. Because VA health care funding is considered discretionary rather than mandatory, it is consistently under funded, Cleland said and headed for disaster under the Bush administration as thousands of severely wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans enter the system for life.
Paul Lambert, Hafen supporter, Air Force veteran and American Legion member, charged Porter and his puppeteers with balancing the budget on the backs of veterans. Eliminating a portion of the tax break for the richest 1% of Americans would have offset a health care shortfall that is expected to be six billion dollars even if the needs don't increase.
As a slap to spouses of veterans who die of service-connected causes, Porter refused to back a measure that would allow them to collect both the disability compensation and annuity from the Survivors Benefit Plan to which retirees voluntarily contribute from their retirement pay. These issues sound dry on the keyboard but they could make the difference between a comfortable life and a struggle for many vets and their families.
"People are sick and tired and want a change from the Republican slime machine," Sen. Cleland said. As a long-time admirer, I promise never to forgive the Rove-directed vile attack on his patriotism and combat credentials in the race he lost for re-election in 2002 or forget the courage and grace with which he withstood it.
As proof she's a fighter who will make Max proud in Congress, Hafen faced down and pulverized Porter's opening salvo of smears. His PR guy is named Slanker, which sounds a lot like sleazy, which is all you need to know about him. His brilliant idea to label Hafen, a third generation Nevadan, a true daughter of Nevada, a carpetbagger failed the sniff and giggle tests and cost Slanker his cred with local pundits and voters, too. Hafen and her able staff's response ad and press release tossed the grenade right back into Porter's camp. The Round Two ads that depict Hafen as soft on illegal immigration are inflammatory, borderline racist and also a pack of easily debunked lies. Stay tuned.
On a personal note: as the daughter and caregiver of a recently deceased career officer who was profoundly disabled in his last years, meeting Sen. Cleland moved me deeply. His bear hug was a blessing that inspired me to make 160 phone calls for Tessa and write this diary.
A recent poll showed Porter below 50% with 13% undecided. This is winnable territory. Please consider a contribution. Thanks, everyone!