Rocky Mount Telegram: Hagan appeals to veterans for votes

Rocky Mount Telegram
Mike Hixenbaugh
August 3, 2008

TARBORO – Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan believes her stance on veteran affairs gives her an advantage over U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole heading into the general election.

Hagan, whose husband is a Vietnam veteran, hosted the fourth of several planned town hall meetings with veterans Friday in Tarboro.

Having heard concerns raised about the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and complaints over legislative barriers to proper health care, Hagan assured the crowd of about 35 people that she would fight to resolve those problems if elected.

Chiding Dole, R-N.C., for “voting against veterans health care and benefits 18 times,” Hagan said it’s time for leaders in Washington, D.C., to heed the concerns of all veterans. Dole has been, however, a proponent of an improved federal G.I. Bill, which effectively ups benefits and allows veterans to transfer their education benefits to their children and spouse.

“I know a lot of good things take place for veterans,” Hagan said. “But when you see what’s happened at Walter Reed (Military Medical Center), when you see some of the issues that we found out about at Fort Bragg; you just want to be sure that the men and women coming back from serving our country come back to good, clean facilities and obviously have good treatment.”

Reg Holden, a U.S. Air Force retiree, told Hagan about the fight he’s waged to receive full Social Security benefits. Even more disconcerting than the lack of retirement funds, Holden said, is the failure of federal representatives to respond to his persistent contact attempts. Holden said he wrote letters to both Dole and U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., more than six months ago and has yet to hear back.

“That’s unacceptable,” Holden said.

Hagan has long criticized Dole for being distant from her North Carolina constituent base, often suggesting she return to Kansas, the home of her husband, former U.S. Sen. and World War II veteran Bob Dole.

“I certainly don’t have all the answers,” Hagan said. “But I certainly want to hear your concerns and promise to always respond to you afterward.”

N.C. Rep. Joe Tolson, D-Edgecombe, and N.C. Sen. Ed Jones, D-Halifax, attended the veterans meeting in support of Hagan, as did longtime Halifax County veteran rights activist Jean Reaves.

Tarboro Mayor Donald Morris stood Friday to announce his official endorsement of Hagan. Morris reflected on the days of former U.S. Rep. L.H. Fountain; a time when, he said, government officials made it a priority to directly serve their constituents.

“Of the two (U.S.) senators, one has done very well getting back to us when we have problems,” Morris said. “The other one, I think she’s a female but I don’t know because I’ve never seen or heard her. But that’s what I think we need here. We need someone who will be fair and equitable to everyone that they represent.”

The latest polls show Hagan trails Dole by between nine and 14 points, but the campaign isn’t worried about the spread.

“We’re going to do it,” Hagan said of her odds at victory in November. “We’re very confident, especially as we’re getting deeper into this campaign season.”

Hagan, in meeting with veterans, is attempting to make inroads with a demographic that seems to be up for grabs. Polls have shown voters who list the Iraq war and veteran affairs as top priorities favor Dole by a small margin. With the goal of erasing that lead, the Hagan campaign has more veteran-themed events slated in the coming weeks.

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