http://thehill.com/policy/defense/216386-vet-group-hits-mcconnell-in-new-adVeterans group hits McConnell in new ad
By Martin Matishak - 09/02/14 11:49 AM EDT
VoteVets Action Fund is out with a new ad attacking Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for his role in blocking legislation earlier this year that would have expanded medical benefits and education programs for the nation’s veterans.
The 30-second spot features Vietnam veteran Charles Erwin from Mayfield, Ky., who suffers from multiple ailments due to exposure to Agent Orange, walking toward the camera.
His cane clicks with each step he takes, prompting text to text pop up beside him: “He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Now… Diabetes. A stroke. Heart disease. Cancer. He depends on a veterans hospital for care. In a time of crisis: Mitch McConnell blocked $21 billion for veterans.”
“Senator McConnell...I did my duty. But after thirty years in Washington...you’ve failed to do yours,” Erwin says at the end of the ad. “It’s time for you to go.”
In February, Senate Republicans successfully blocked a $21 billion measure that would have, among other things, expanded veterans' healthcare programs provided advanced appropriations for the Veterans Affairs Department.
The GOP raised concerns about the bill’s price tag and how it would be paid for before blocking it.
The new ad campaign launched statewide on Tuesday on broadcast and cable channels and will cost $300,000 over five days, according to VoteVets, though they are already planning on an extension of the buy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTqdMgJo-sw