Posted on 09/16/2004 4:37:22 PM PDT by Pardon Me
A group of South Dakota veterans wants the state republican party chairman to resign.
The military members support Senate democratic candidate Tom Daschle. They're upset over a fundraising letter written by state GOP chairman Randy Frederick that they say accuses Daschle of treason.
Political fundraising letters often use language meant to fire up supporters, in the hope that they'll then open up their checkbooks to contribute to campaigns. But a group of veterans say a letter written in support of senate candidate John Thune goes too far.
"Tired of Tom?," the letter asks out of state donors. Then send a Daschle-defeating contribution to the South Dakota Republican Party. The writer, GOP party chairman Randy Frederick, goes on to say, "Daschle's three years as Complainer-in-chief have brought shame to the honor of his office, concern to our men and women in uniform and comfort to America's enemies."
That line made some veterans who support Daschle line up to protest.
Veteran Jack Gill says, "This is a disgraceful smear. It's the worst kind of dirty politics."
Veteran Roger Andal says, "It's hard to even address that kind of a charge. I don't know if Randy Frederick understands what he said in the letter."
Veteran Steve Engbretson says, "I'm outraged, and as a veteran and current military member, he's not speaking for me."
The veterans say by accusing Daschle of comforting American's enemies, Frederick implies the senator committed treason. The constitution defines treason as levying war against the U.S. or adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.
In a statement, Frederick says he stands by his quote. He says he doesn't question Daschle patriotism but calls his poor judgement appalling.
Frederick says, "On the eve of war with Iraq, we needed everyone supporting our Commander-in-Chief. We needed national unity. We needed politicians acting as statesman and not someone leading partisan bickering. But Daschle once again played politics."
Frederick is referring to comments Daschle made before the war started that criticize President Bush for not finding a diplomatic alternative to combat. But the veterans say there's no excuse for the language, and they want candidate John Thune to call for his state's party chairman to step down.
Engbretson says, "I think he should be embarrassed that this letter ever got written."
The veterans say they received the letter from the Daschle campaign, after it was handed over by someone who was on the mailing list. The Thune campaign calls it a political charge to do Daschle's bidding and says Thune will not call for Frederick's resignation.
I hope the Party heads don't cave in on this one.
Perfect opportunity to highlight (lowlight?) Daschle's treasonous behavior.
Up the ante.
What a crock. An accusation of comforting the enemy does not equate to an accusation of treason. By definition, treason occurs when you aid AND comfort the enemy. No one has accused Tommy Dasshole of aiding the enemy.
Where's that official looking DNC emblem with the baby crying when we need it?
I don't see what is wrong with the letter, everything in it is true. I love the complainer-in-chief part.
Veterans supporting Dasshole???
Don't Ask, Don't tell...'nuff said.
Tommy must be scared.
Veterans Group Supporting Daschle?? LOL
This must be John Kerry's swift boat crew (if there are any left standing).
Right out of the Dimmie playbook! They must be getting scared about Tommie Boy's chances...
Heck Kerry aided AND comforted the enemy. In fact most Dimocrats do. Our (Bagdad) Jim McDermott and Patty (Tennis Shoes) Murray hate Republicans but LOVE our enemies.
Nam Vet
Perhaps some South Dakotan should try to find out how many of these guys are really veterans... ( and if they are, whether they served for Canada, France, or some other country...)
Hardly a day goes by without one of these three posting some spiteful diatribe into the paper here as a letter to the editor. I say big whoop. All three are bigtime Daschle advocates, it's a well-known fact. I'm impressed by Randy Frederick actually acting like he has a pair. It's a rarity.
Sorry...but this "veterans group" smacks of Mobyism. (You know...the dubious "I'm a Republican, but--" crowd.)
And he shouldn't. Daschle is in the same league as sKerry. Liberal, anti-military sleeze, obstructionist. It's time for him to go to the Dimoctatic pasture.
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