Everbody loves veterans

Daniel Malloy Nov. 11, 2009

Quiet day for politics out there, with Congress out of session for Veterans Day, but Arlen Specter's Senate race is never quiet. And who gets tired of hearing about that? We here at Early Returns certainly don't, perish the thought. To commemorate the 11th day of the 11th month, both Mr. Specter and his chief primary foe, Rep. Joe Sestak, D-Delaware County, held veterans-related events -- and they played to their respective candidates' strengths.

Mr. Specter, a member and former chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, held a hearing at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia this afternoon to examine services available to veterans in need. From the press release: "The first witness panel will feature testimonials from formerly homeless veterans who sought assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The second panel is composed of top representatives from the VA, Department of Labor and the PA Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs. The final panel, made up of veterans service centers, is set to discuss the areas in which we can better serve our veterans."

Message to voters: I have accumulated a fair amount of power in my nearly 30 years in the Senate and I know how to use it to help my constituents.

Mr. Sestak went to Chester County, visiting incarcerated vets at SCI-Chester and homeless vets at City Team Ministries. Mr. Sestak, a Navy veteran, is especially active and vocal about veterans' issues.

In a news release, Mr. Sestak said: "I am the strongest proponent of a seamless transition from the military to the VA, wider use of special Veterans Courts that can best take into account the challenges facing so many of our returning service members and closer collaboration between the VA and correctional facilities to see that if a Veteran is incarcerated their care is consistent with their sacrifice. My staff in DC is working on the appropriate legislation and I will be looking for support for that initiative from my fellow members of congress but especially from the outstanding Veterans Service Organizations who have dedicated themselves to seeing that their comrades are never left behind in battle overseas or at home. If we can better diagnose and treat the conditions that contribute to incarceration, we can reduce homelessness and we can do an enormous service to Veterans, their families and our communities. We have the means; all we need is the will and the way."

Message to voters: I am incredibly passionate about this issue and willing to get my hands dirty to address it.