Tammy Duckworth Being Pushed For Veterans Affairs Secretary

A grassroots effort is underway for Barack Obama to appoint Tammy Duckworth, a veteran of the Iraq War and onetime congressional candidate, as Secretary of Veterans' Affairs in his incoming administration.

Democratic-leaning veterans groups are pushing the appointment among activists and reporters, even launching a petition drive to get Duckworth into the administration.

"If Tammy was offered the Secretary of the VA, she'd excel at it," said Jon Soltz, the head of the veterans group VoteVets.org and one of the leading advocates for a Duckworth appointment. "She uniquely understands the issues facing not just older generations of veterans, but our newest veterans as well."

Indeed, Duckworth would be well situated to take on the post. Not just because she has served in Iraq (where she lost both her legs) and currently heads the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, but also because she has strong ties to Obama's inner circle.

During her unsuccessful 2006 run for Congress, Duckworth employed many of the individuals who played prominently roles on the Democratic presidential campaign. David Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, was an adviser to Duckworth. Rahm Emanuel, Obama's incoming chief of staff, was one the loudest voices encouraging Duckworth to run. (Emanuel was, at the time, head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee). Sen. Dick Durbin, one of Obama's closest colleagues in the Senate, encouraged Duckworth's entry into the congressional race. And Jon Carson, Obama's National Field Director, actually ran Duckworth's campaign. Duckworth was even given a speaking slot on Wednesday night of the Democratic convention.

All this, of course, is insider wheeling-and-dealing. Duckworth brings qualifications to the post that extend well beyond the personal and political connections. And she could very well earn the appointment on these merits alone.

"You think about probably the best head of the VA we've ever had, and that was Max Cleland, who came home wounded from Vietnam, and was deeply involved in the veterans system in Georgia, then brought that experience to Washington," said Soltz. "Tammy is similar to Max in many respects, and I think what she brings to the table is too valuable to leave out in Illinois."

Comments

[tahoegal]

Yes! What better could he do for Veteran's Affairs than appoint Duckworth? She's been there and done that, knows the obstacles they face - we've been her fans since she spoke at the Democratic convention. Give this awesome lady the position she deserves, and she will serve our country well.

[justobserve]

Tammy is a very strong woman! I respect her tenacity and empathy for other people.

[Kevin Casey]

In my opinion, John McCain would be the best pick for the VA. And that's speaking as a rabid Obama supporter.

First of all, Sen. McCain (despite my utter loss of respect for him) is exceedingly qualified for the position. The administration is going to need someone with that level of experience and commitment to veterans affairs when Obama brings our troops home from Iraq.

Second, by involving his former adversary in his administration, Obama would demonstrate precisely the sort of Change he's been talking about bringing to American politics.

[MargaretO]

Oh, please! The man who voted down Veterans benefits, time and again. My goodness, I don't think so.

[one4obama]

You have GOT to be kidding? Right?

The same John McCain who voted down every piece that came up for vote to help the vets?

The same John McCain who voted down the piece to ensure the GI Bill would remain?

Wow! You absolutely amaze me (and not in a good way!).

[brendanm]

But John McCain's record on veterans issues is not good at all, and his management skills, as demonstrated by the quality of his campaign, are awful.

John McCain would be a purely cynical and political appointment that would only hurt veterans, so it would be a terrible choice.

[Petey131]

Nope. He has lost all honor with many of us. Duckworth is the true American!

[brendanm]

John McCain is as American as anyone. He just has a bad record on veterans.

[BLinCincinnati]

Go review his record.... you will lose even more respect. Clearly you haven't seen his voting record on Vet issues. He's NOT qualified for the position AT ALL.

Vet Groups gave him horrid ratings.

[exotic]

I salute you Tammy, hire her asap! Find something for Max too!

[larmarch5]

She gave a great speech at the DEM convention.

[kingmiller]

Ms. Duckworth - a hero (she has a Purple Heart no doubt). Thank you for your service. Hopefully she will be able to serve in this vital position.

[brendanm]

Republicans will probably claim she faked her injuries in order to get her Purple Heart...

[Big0725]

Hey, they tried with Max Clelland.

[ladyjustice98]

Seems to me to be a no-brainer. A veteran running the department charged with assisting vets...Hmm­m. And to all the vets here and abroad, my heartfelt thanks for all of your sacrifices and to your families for sharing in that sacrifice.

[CornOnTheCob]

She would be an excellent choice and dare I say, I did not vote for Obama.

[DFutureIsNow]

Excellent choice she would be.

[Bitsko]

"Duckworth's combat wounds in Iraq cost her both of her legs and damaged her right arm. She is married to Major Bryan W. Bowlsbey of the Illinois Army National Guard. In 2007, Bowlsbey was informed that he would be deployed to Iraq in April."

--Wikipedia

[POTUS2008]

I salute her too and all who serve.

[greeniefromOH]

A wonderful idea. Thank you, Tammy, for your service.

[another t palin]

If she is the lady that I saw in an interview along with Jon Soltz, she is very knowledgeable and articulate - an excellent choice. Should she not be interested, Jon Soltz wouldn't be a bad pick either.

[LetsGoChangeTheWorld]

On this Veterans Days, what a great thing appointing her would be!

Excellent choice! Much better choice than the last two. James Nicholson and James Peake, both plucked from QTC Medical to run the VA. QTC Medical was given the contract to perform Compensation and Pension Benefits Exams to veterans. Needless to say, the exams they "perform" are a sham, and are used only to deny due benefits to injured veterans. I know, I am one who was denied benefits by Peakes company QTC Medical. I know QTC doesn't decide the case, but they may as well. They are the ones who tells the VA if an injury or condition exists and if it was military related or not. Most times they say no condition exists, therefore, the VA denies benefits even though a medical paper~trail suggests contrary.

Secretary Duckworth sounds so wonderful to a disabled veteran!

[jorge4u]

I like and admire this woman. If Obama decides to appoint her the position, she'd be a great selection and appointment.