Veterans for Warner

Press Release

Veterans for Warner

Riki Parikh

Governor Warner was joined by Senator Jim Webb and two dozen veterans yesterday in Norfolk, to launch "Veterans for Warner," a bipartisan coalition of Virginia's military veterans who support Mark Warner and his commitment to improve health and educational benefits provided to our military men and women and their families.

Senator Webb has a proven record on supporting military families - a veteran himself, Senator Webb successfully championed the bipartisan 21st Century GI Bill, which gives additional college tuition benefits to veterans.

"Everyone talks about the fact they want to support veterans," Governor Warner said of Webb. "The truth comes when it's time to do something."

Senator Webb cited Governor Warner's record of improving veterans services and finding money to support military families even in the toughest budget situations. He said that Governor Warner will follow the model of "checking politics at the door," just like he did when he worked to get the GI Bill passed.

Vivian J. Paige was there and posted video of the event on her blog.

The Virginian-Pilot talked to one of the veterans that supports Governor Warner:

Lawrence Keefe, a retired command master chief who attended Thursday's launch, said he likes Warner's fiscal responsibility and open mind.

"He's not afraid of new ideas," Keefe said. "That speaks well of him."
As for why he supports Warner over Gilmore, even though Gilmore served as an Army intelligence officer, Keefe said, "Sometimes the title doesn't necessarily mean you're the expert."

Rep. Bobby Scott of Newport News, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim and Norfolk Sheriff Bob McCabe, were also at the press conference in Norfolk.

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