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.