Vote 2010: Rossi, Murray spar on veterans' issues
Murray's campaign seized the moment by issuing a statement that said, "Following KOMO News' report yesterday that Dino Rossi's campaign believes our country is 'spending recklessly' on the Veterans Administration, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and veterans from around the state will hold a conference call with reporters this afternoon to call on Rossi to explain his campaign position and define which VA services need to be cut."
Murray held that call on Wednesday.
Rossi's campaign then issued its own statement late Wednesday afternoon:
"Our nation made a promise to provide for our veterans in return for their service to protect our country, and that promise must be kept. There's no disagreement there.
"Senator Murray's latest false attack is an attempt to paper over an important fact about her record: The main threat to our Veterans programs right now is the enormous amount of spending and debt that Patty Murray has voted for: the massive bailouts, the failed stimulus bill, the earmarks and other wasteful spending which is jeopardizing Congress's ability to provide our Veterans the benefits they've earned.
"In addition, when servicemen and women leave active duty, they need to know they can find a job. They need to know that their kids and grandkids won't be burdened by this massive debt. They need to know that the values they fought for will be preserved. Senator Murray has put this in jeopardy as well. As a U.S. senator, I will make sure that America keeps its commitment of our Veterans, and I will end this overspending to preserve the country they sacrificed so much to protect. Finally, I will not play politics with the concerns and needs of the great men and women who defend our freedom."
KOMO 4 News stands by its story despite the fact McCarthy did not use the term "reckless spending" in his interview. KOMO 4 News believes that was the essence of the points he was trying to make.
