(crossposted at the DailyKos and MyDD.com)
There is nothing that I hold more pride in than my service to our country. From the halls of West Point to the streets of Baghdad, I served honorably, and my record reflects my service. There is camaraderie among veterans – we understand that everyone who wears the uniform of the United States military has sacrificed, some much more so than others. That is why I was so shocked that Congressman Fitzpatrick, who never wore a military uniform, would hold a press conference to question my service.
I knew the `swiftboating’ was coming, but no amount of preparation would change how shocking the attack would be. To say that I have ever misrepresented my service was an attack on my honor, and an attack on the honor of all those who wore the uniform of the armed forces. To say that I wasn’t “dodging bullets” and wasn’t “talking with the Iraqis” showed an ignorance of the dangers in Iraq that only a man who has never worn the uniform could claim.
Many came to my side during such a difficult time. Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and four-star General Wesley Clark joined me on a conference call with the blogger community. Senator John Kerry, a decorated Vietnam veteran in his own right, joined me on a national conference call. Dozens of veterans throughout the 8th District came to my side for a rally and joined me in fighting back against these vicious and slanderous attacks. Thomas Dougherty, a former VFW State Commander, called the attacks “a slap in the face of anyone who has ever worn the uniform of our country.”
But a special thanks goes out to all of you, the blogger community – because you helped to dismantle the attack from day one. You have always believed in my candidacy. You rallied support – and you helped me to a record fundraising quarter as a result.
I’ve spent the last week responding to Congressman Fitzpatrick’s vicious and dishonorable attack – but now it’s time to go on the offensive. Starting tomorrow, we’re putting this ad up on broadcast television throughout the district.
But I need your help one more time. I need your help to keep this ad up across the district. I need your help to make sure this attack doesn’t stand. I need your help to guarantee the voters of the 8th District know that Congressman Fitzpatrick had the nerve to challenge the service of a veteran to serve political points.