McCain may not be the veteran some think......

Rep. Edwards shows attack dog potential

By Andy Barr

Posted: 08/17/08 04:33 PM [ET]

Rep. Chet Edwards (D-Texas) thrashed Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s record on veteran’s issues Sunday, showing off a part of his skill set that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) believes would make him a strong running mate for Democratic standard-bearer Barack Obama. On a conference call with reporters arranged by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), Edwards said that despite McCain’s well known military biography, voters should question whether they “really know” the Arizona senator’s history on veterans issues. “All Americans respect Sen. McCain’s military service,” Edwards said, “but more would be surprised that Sen. McCain has consistently voted against increased funding for veterans healthcare and benefits.” Edwards pointed to McCain’s opposition to Sen. Jim Webb’s (D-Va.) GI bill earlier this year as well as Obama’s higher legislative score from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The call was designed to preempt McCain’s speech Monday to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention in Orlando, Florida. When asked about Obama’s vice presidential choices, Pelosi has consistently named Edwards, calling him “talented” and “principled” and boasting about his “extraordinary credentials.” Edwards demonstrated those credentials on defense and military issues, rattling off votes and showing off his institutional knowledge gained as Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. For those who believe Obama needs to bolster his defense credentials, Edwards certainly fits the bill. But Edwards’ vote to authorize the Iraq war, as well his low national profile, may rule him out from joining the ticket. Still, Edwards left the door open to being Obama’s running mate Sunday, saying it is “a privilege to be considered,” but adding that the choice will be the Illinois Democrat’s to make. Here is McCain's voting record on veterans issues. Date Bill Title Vote Outcome 05/22/2008 GI Bill and Other Domestic Provisions S Amdt 4803 NV Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 22) 01/22/2008 Defense Authorizations Bill HR 4986 NV Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 3) 10/01/2007 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 HR 1585 NV Bill Passed - Senate (92 - 3) 02/02/2006 Tax Rate Extension Amendment HR 4297 N Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53) 11/17/2005 Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment S 2020 N Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) 10/05/2005 Health Care for Veterans Amendment HR 2863 N Motion Failed - Senate Here is Obama's voting record on the veteran issue. Date Bill Title Vote Outcome 05/22/2008 GI Bill and Other Domestic Provisions S Amdt 4803 Y Amendment Adopted - Senate (75 - 22) 01/22/2008 Defense Authorizations Bill HR 4986 NV Bill Passed - Senate (91 - 3) 10/01/2007 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 HR 1585 NV Bill Passed - Senate (92 - 3) 02/02/2006 Tax Rate Extension Amendment HR 4297 Y Motion Rejected - Senate (44 - 53) 11/17/2005 Additional Funding For Veterans Amendment S 2020 Y Motion Rejected - Senate (43 - 55) 10/05/2005 Health Care for Veterans Amendment HR 2863 Y Motion Failed - Senate (48 - 51)