Fightin' Dems

Earlier this week, I wrote about the Democrats' odd move to force out Iraq war vet Paul Hackett from his Senate seat in favor of a more established candidate. Such a move, I stated, was antithetical to the 'party of change' motto they are running with this year. But Hackett was not the only Iraq war veteran running under the Democratic ticket this year; there are about a dozen currently running. There are over 50 veterans (of all wars) running for Congressional positions as Democrats this November.

Though their presence in the race underscores what an unpopular issue the war is for Republicans, they are not running on a platform solely based around the war. Their agenda is diverse and well-outlined. The party would do well to show them a little more love.

AP: Iraq war veterans fight for US Congress seats

Iraq war veterans are set to make their mark on the campaign for US congressional elections this year that could see President George W. Bush's Republican Party lose control.

About a dozen candidates who have fought in Iraq are running in the November midterm election, including Asian-American helicopter pilot Ladda "Tammy" Duckworth, who lost both legs when she was shot down in 2004.

Nearly all of those who have been in Iraq are political neophytes. And despite a US military that has a pronounced Republican leaning, most of the contenders are Democrats...

Let's hope Charles Schumer leaves these ones alone.

Ari Berman also has a good column at The Nation on these candidates:
Fightin' Dems