PRESS-GAZETTE Photos: Tammy Baldwin, Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans

SOURCE:  Appleton Post-Crescent (William Glasheen), Appleton, Wis.
http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=U0&Date=20121005&Category=APC01&ArtNo=310050356&Ref=PH

ALSO PUBLISHED BY:
Green Bay Press-Gazette, Green Bay, Wis.
http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20121005/WIS1001/121005041/Photos-Tammy-Baldwin-Tommy-Thompson-speak-Disabled-American-Veterans

The Northwestern, Oshkosh, Wis.
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20121005&Kategori=APC01&Lopenr=310050356&Ref=PH

Sheboygan Press, Sheboygan, Wis.
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20121005/WIS1001/121005041/Photos-Tammy-Baldwin-Tommy-Thompson-speak-Disabled-American-Veterans

Wausau Daily Herald, Wausau, Wis.
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=U0&Dato=20121005&Kategori=APC01&Lopenr=310050356&Ref=PH

Photos: Tammy Baldwin, Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans

Michael Robinson listens as U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. 

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin speaks to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

Danielle Kuka takes a photograph as U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin speaks to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin speaks to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

Kieth McDowell and Roger Winch listen as U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Baldwin speaks to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

State Commander John Fredrickson ask a question as U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

FOX 11: Thompson, Baldwin courting veterans' vote

 SOURCE: WLUK-TV, FOX 11, Green Bay, Wis.
http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local/fox_cities/tommy-thompson-tammy-baldwin-courting-veterans-vote

Thompson, Baldwin courting veterans' vote

Thompson, Baldwin courting veterans' vote

Updated: Friday, 05 Oct 2012, 5:16 PM CDT
Published : Friday, 05 Oct 2012, 12:57 PM CDT

• Chad Doran, FOX 11 News

APPLETON - The U.S. Senate race descended on Appleton today.

Both former Governor Tommy Thompson and U-S Representative Tammy Baldwin were courting veterans at the statewide Disabled American Veterans Conference.

Issues facing disabled veterans took center stage in the U.S. Senate race this morning.

"I think it is very important to just hear about veterans issues none of the other stuff that is political and stuff that's going on today," said John Fredrickson, Wisconsin Commander of the Disabled American Veterans.

Former Governor Tommy Thompson spoke to the group about his goal to get vets the best care possible.

"It is a commitment of mine as a citizen to give my best to those people who have given so much," said Thompson.

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin said she wants troops overseas to come home and the money spent on the war to be funneled into programs for vets.

"When they return home, they need someone to fight for them and I am committed to do that everyday," said Baldwin.

Both candidates say veterans issues are an important part of this race and paying for them is equally important. They say that starts at the federal level by balancing the budget.

"We are needing to take a balanced approach to get back on solid economic footing as well as begin to reduce our debt," said Baldwin.

"Tammy Baldwin has never seen a bill she could not increase spending on or a tax bill she did not like, so it's impossible for anyone with that philosophy to consider," said Thompson.

The candidates also touched on unemployment and the need for job creation.

"For me I'm not satisfied, it's not fast enough. Obviously we want to see the recovery continue because middle class families in Wisconsin are still struggling," said Baldwin.

"While I cut taxes, she raises taxes, while I cut regulation she increases regulations, while I am building Wisconsin she is causing people to become unemployed," said Thompson.

Whether the economy or veterans issues, it's a race where voters will have to choose who presents the best plan to fix the problems facing Wisconsin.

In not endorsing either candidate, the veterans group described itself as non-partisan focusing on providing care to disabled veterans throughout the state.

WHBY-1150 AM: Thompson, Baldwin address veterans group

SOURCE:  WHBY 1150 AM - Appleton, Wis.
http://www.whby.com/index.php/News/WHBY_News/28017

Thompson, Baldwin address veterans group

Wisconsin's senate race is tightening, and both candidates were in Appleton this morning, to speak at the Disabled American Veterans convention. 

Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin says she's fought for several veterans issues while serving in the House of Representatives, and she wants to continue her work in the senate.  She says veterans services need to be a priority.

Former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson says veterans a priority for him as well, and they have been while he served as governor, as Health and Human Services secretary, and in private business.

Thompson and Baldwin both say they're not overly optimistic about new unemployment numbers, showing that the jobless rate is below eight percent. 

Baldwin says the recovery isn't moving quickly enough, Thompson says it shows people are giving up...and dropping out of the job market completely.

posted : October, 5th by WHBY

WRN: U.S. Senate candidates speak in Appleton

SOURCE:  Wisconsin Radio Network
http://www.wrn.com/2012/10/u-s-senate-candidates-speak-in-appleton/

U.S. Senate candidates speak in Appleton

October 5, 2012 By WRN Contributor

The candidates for Wisconsin’s open senate seat spoke to the Disabled American Veterans convention this morning in downtown Appleton. Both Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and former Republican Governor Tommy Thompson say veterans issues are very important to them, and they’re committed to serving the soldiers when those men and women in uniform are done serving the country.

Responding to news that the federal unemployment rate dropped below 8 percent last month, Thompson says its not an indication that the economy is improving. “But did you see also how many people did not file? They’re dropping out because they do not believe there are any jobs available. That is a sad commentary on the current Administration to have that kind of problem.”

Baldwin says the numbers show the economy is continuing a slow recovery, but its not enough. “For me, I’m not satisfied. It’s not fast enough. Obviously we want to see the recovery continue. Middle class families in Wisconsin are still struggling. It used if you work hard and play by the rules you’d get ahead. Too many are working hard, playing by the rules, and just getting by.”

Thompson and Baldwin also say the nation needs to get the budget deficit under control, but don’t want to cut funding for veterans issues.

Rick Schuh, WHBY

APPLETON POST-CRESCENT: Thompson, Baldwin say more aid to veterans a priority

SOURCE:  Appleton Post-Crescent
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20121005/APC010402/310050400/Thompson-Baldwin-say-more-aid-veterans-priority-story-photos-?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs

Thompson, Baldwin say more aid to veterans a priority

US Senate candidates push records to target group

7:38 PM, Oct 5, 2012

Written by

Larry Avila

Post-Crescent business editor

Michael Robinson listens as U.S. Senate candidates Tammy Baldwin and Tommy Thompson speak to Disabled American Veterans members at the group's fall conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. on October 05, 2012. Wm. Glasheen/The Post-Crescent

APPLETON — If Senate hopefuls U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin and former Gov. Tommy Thompson want the votes of Wisconsin’s nearly 400,000 military veterans, streamlining the benefits claims process must be a priority.

But that’s not all veterans want. Veterans say they recognize the fiscal challenges government faces today, but more dollars are needed to improve medical care for those injured in combat and for transitional services — including job training and counseling — that help soldiers adjust to civilian life.

“Shortening up the waiting time in claims processing is one of two major things,” said Bill Crowley of Baraboo, one of more than 100 veterans who attended the Disabled Veterans of Wisconsin Conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, where Baldwin and Thompson separately addressed the group.

Baldwin, a Democrat, and Thompson, a Republican, are vying for the seat that became open following the retirement of Democrat Herb Kohl. The election is Nov. 6.

Crowley, a former Marine, who has 32 cumulative years of military service, also served six years as the commandant at the veterans home in King. He said when disabled veterans file claims, the process takes too long.

“It’s very important to shorten up that waiting time,” Crowley said. “A veteran is entitled to getting that compensation quickly for suffering an injury in combat and it’s disappointing that it can take 1½ to 2 years to process a claim.”

Baldwin and Thompson both pledged to streamline the filing process if elected so veterans could get the help they need quickly, though neither offered a solution during their remarks.

Merrill Cornell of Appleton, who served nearly four years in the Air Force during the early 1950s, said more veterans clinics and hospitals are needed, along with specialists to help veterans with physical and mental injuries.

Baldwin said she supported legislation that gives incentives to businesses that hire veterans and provides financial assistance to veterans who want to continue their education to improve their jobs skills.

“(Veterans) have more on-the-job training than most people,” she said. “But because of red tape, some of the training and practical experience they had while in service just doesn’t translate well.”

For example, existing bureaucracy makes it difficult for a military medic to get the certification needed to get a job as a paramedic, Baldwin said. This is something she wants to fix.

Thompson cited his decade of military service and his later accomplishments as Wisconsin governor and U.S. secretary of Health and Human Services, which included opening more facilities to care for veterans and expanding Medicare, which helped seniors pay for prescription drugs.

If elected, Thompson said he would do whatever he can to give returning veterans what they need. During his tenure as president and board chairman of Logistics Health in La Crosse, which provides health care support services, Thompson said the company pushed for hiring veterans. Active reservists who worked for the company received full salary and benefits when they were called to duty.

“My responsibility is to give my best to those individuals across state of Wisconsin and America, if I can lessen your burden one bit or promote policy to help you and your fellow veterans, it’s my responsibility that I embrace enthusiastically,” he said. “I’ll always be there for you, if you support me or not.”

— Larry Avila: 920-993-1000, ext. 292, or lavila@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @LarryAvila

WKOW-TV: U.S. Senate candidates campaign in Appleton Friday

SOURCE:  WKOW-TV (ABC 27 - Madison, Wis.)
http://www.wkow.com/story/19750747/us-senate-candidates-campaign-in-appleton-friday


WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

U.S. Senate candidates campaign in Appleton Friday

Posted: Oct 05, 2012 6:45 PM CDT

By Tiffany Yapp

APPLETON (WKOW) -- The candidates in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate race were on the campaign trail in Appleton on Friday.

Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Tommy Thompson separately addressed the Disabled American Veterans on Friday.

Baldwin addressed the group first, discussing the importance of taking care of America's veterans.

"We all know full well that budget cuts are necessary, but I believe they should not come at the expense of returning servicemen and women," Baldwin said.

Later in the day, Thompson agreed, by pledging his loyalty.

"I will always be there whether you support me or not, because it is a commitment of mine as a citizen to give my best to those people who have given so much," Thompson said.

The latest Marquette University Law School poll released Wednesday showed Baldwin with a 48 percent to 44 percent lead over Thompson. She held a nine-point lead in the same poll two weeks ago.

The two candidates will face off in their second debate on Thursday, October 18^th.

WFRV-TV: Senate candidates court veterans vote in Appleton

SOURCE:  WFRV-TV (CBS 5 - Green Bay, Wis.)
http://wearegreenbay.com/1fulltext-news?nxd_id=157672

  

[VIDEO]

Senate candidates court veterans vote in Appleton

By: Erin Davisson

Updated: October 5, 2012

Appleton, Wis.(WFRV)--Disabled veterans in Appleton heard from the two candidates for the senate seat being vacated by retiring US Senator Herb Kohl. Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Tommy Thompson both talked about their individual achievement when it came to helping veterans. And they were united in their belief that more should be done to help women veterans.

Local Five's Donald Robinson has this report.

WBAY-TV: Senate Candidates Campaign at the Same Place, Different Times

SOURCE: WBAY (Green Bay, Wis. - ABC-2)
http://www.wbay.com/story/19748936/2012/10/05/senate-candidates-campaign-at-the-same-place-just-different-time





WBAY

Senate Candidates Campaign at the Same Place, Different Times

Updated: Oct 05, 2012 3:29 PM CDT

By Emily Matesic

Appleton - The US Senate race for retiring Senator Herb Kohl's seat came to Appleton Friday morning. Democrat Tammy Baldwin and Republican Tommy Thompson separately addressed the Disabled American Veterans at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel.

A non-partisan organization, the DAV was anxious to use its fall conference to give both Senate candidates an opportunity to speak to its members and tell them what they would do for them.

Wisconsin DAV Commander John Fredrickson says, "I think it's very important hearing strictly veterans issues, none of the other political stuff that's going on today. There's no mudslinging. It's just basically this is how they feel about the veterans issues, which is very important to us."

Tammy Baldwin was up first, initially presenting an opening statement about the importance of taking care of America's veterans. 

"We all know full well that budget cuts are necessary, but I believe they should not come at the expense of returning servicemen and women," Congresswoman Baldwin said.

She continued telling the crowd lowering veterans' unemployment, improving mental health services in the VA, and speeding up the processing within the system are her top priorities.

"We need to stand by our promises to those that have donned the uniform and fought on behalf of our country," she said.

Former Governor Thompson agreed. During his 30 minutes with the veterans he also pledged his loyalty, saying, "I will always be there whether you support me or not, because it is a commitment of mine as a citizen to give my best to those people who have given so much."

Thompson said huge backlogs in buildings and paperwork need to be addressed, something he would do if elected senator.

"If I can lessen your burdens one little bit or promote policies that's going to help you and your fellow vets and those that are disabled, it's my responsibility as a citizen," said Thompson.

While the two addressed the same conference, they never crossed paths inside the hotel. They'll square off in two more debates before the November election.

DAV: Baldwin, Thompson to address DAV on Veterans’ Issues

SOURCE: DAV-Wisconsin
http://davwi.org/breaking_new/

PRESS RELEASE  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
OCTOBER 1, 2012
CONTACT: Ken Kuehnl, State Adjutant, (262) 878-6422
Al Labelle, Legislative Director, (715) 207-8870

Printable PDF of this press release – click here

Baldwin, Thompson to address DAV on Veterans’ Issues

U.S. Senate candidates confirmed, will speak on veterans’ issues at Appleton state conference of nation’s largest organization of injured veterans

(De Pere, Wis.) – In what may well be the state’s most significant forum on veterans’ issues during this year’s U.S. Senate race, CongresswomanTammy Baldwin and former Governor and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson will address DAV members at their organization’s state Fall Conference in Appleton.

DAV today announced Thompson’s and Baldwin’s speaking roles, which are confirmed for Friday, October 5, 2012 during DAV-Wisconsin’s Fall Conference at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wis. Baldwin will speak at 9:00 a.m.; Thompson will speak at 9:30 a.m. Both candidates have been provided nine questions of key interest to veterans.

“We are grateful to Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and former Governor Tommy Thompson for choosing to address Wisconsin DAV members on issues of critical important to our nation’s veterans, particularly injured veterans,” said DAV State Commander John Fredrickson. Fredrickson is a Vietnam era veteran from Rice Lake.

Fredrickson said the DAV does not endorse political candidates or take sides with any political party. However, an important part of DAV’s role is advocating for improvements and needed changes for veterans, especially service-disabled veterans.

DAV wants to hear from both candidates on how they plan to aid and empower veterans including DAV’s members, who have been profoundly impacted for life by their military service.

“Like our nation and state, DAV’s members span the political spectrum. Some will prefer Tammy, others will prefer Tommy, and a few will not have yet made up their minds,” said Fredrickson. “But since one of them will in fact be our next U.S. Senator, our goal is to help ensure that disabled veterans’ voices and needs are heard by both candidates.”

The DAV Fall Conference runs from October 4-6, 2012. It is held each year for training and to help inform DAV’s chapters and members so they can best serve the state’s veterans.

DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by:

• Ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of programs and services available to them;
• Fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes, on Capitol Hill in Washington and at the Capitol in Madison;
• Educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) data, over 400,000 of the nation’s 22 million veterans live in Wisconsin. VA data shows that 56,784 Wisconsin veterans have a VA service-connected disability.

DAV, a non-profit organization with 1.2 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. DAV is the nation’s largest organization of service-disabled veterans.

The conference and candidate forum are open to current DAV members. More information about DAV and the conference, including the most current agenda and how to register, is available at www.davwi.org.

DAV of WISCONSIN, 1253 Scheuring Road, Suite A, De Pere, WI 54115
Phone: (920) 338-8620  •  Fax: (920) 338-8621  •  Email: gbdav@sbcglobal.net