VFW, NRA Endorse Democrat Lampson Over GOP Rival, Fellow Veteran

[Hissyspit]

Source: Houston Chronicle

VFW endorses Lampson over GOP rival, fellow veteran
NRA also says it is supporting the Democrat

By ALAN BERNSTEIN
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Oct. 18, 2008, 9:24PM

The political arm of Veterans of Foreign Wars on Saturday endorsed Democratic U.S. Rep. Nick Lampson, who did not serve in the military, over Republican challenger Pete Olson, a former Navy pilot and Pentagon liaison. Also, the National Rifle Association made its backing of Lampson official, months after signaling its support of his legislative votes for gun ownership rights.

The backing of the two mostly conservative groups dovetails with Lampson's attempts in the 22nd District campaign to be seen as a middle-of-the-road lawmaker. Olson portrays him as a liberal representing a conservative district. Lampson accepted the VFW endorsement at an ceremony in front of a U.S. Air Force airplane fuselage in the parking lot of the American Legion Hall on Old Galveston Road across from Ellington Field. Addressing about 25 veterans as cars and motorcycles roared by, Lampson said serving the district was his way of giving back to veterans who protected the nation.

Allen DeForde, leader of the VFW post in Pearland, said he voted for Republican Shelley Sekula Gibbs against Lampson in 2006, but is backing Lampson in the Nov. 4 election because of the congressman's legislative votes for veterans' benefits and his responsiveness to constituents. He said Lampson's actions outweighed the backgrounds of the candidates.

- snip -

"As a nine-year Navy Veteran and having served two tours overseas in the Pacific and Persian Gulf, I have great respect for all our veterans, particularly those who have served on foreign soil," Olson said. "Following this election, I look forward to being a dedicated advocate in Congress for veteran's health care, service related issues, and strengthening our military with the most advanced weaponry possible."

Read more: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6066292.html

[bluestateguy]

1. Yikes

VFW endorsements are hard to come by for Democrats. The NRA is helpful too.

I think Lampson could pull this out.

[LynnTheDem]

2. I was just posting about this! Isn't this just too awesome??! The VFW and the NRA,

that's gonna leave a mark on freepers, LOL!