PHOENIX – Anne Holton, wife of Democratic Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Kaine, held a roundtable discussion for veterans in downtown Phoenix Wednesday.
Several veterans attended Holton’s roundtable discussion. It was one of three campaign events for Holton. She is campaigning for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine, her husband.
Holton says she understands veteran’s concerns such as transitioning back to civilian life because her son currently serves in the military.
“My son is currently in the Marine Core,” said Holton. “Someone here in the marine core? Tomas? Hoo-rah.”
Several veterans who spoke in favor of Hillary Clinton and Tim Kaine said their experience gives them the best understanding of veteran’s issues.
“I think Hillary has the veteran issues down cold,” said Vietnam veteran Steve Schallenberger. “She’s been with their families and she knows what they need.”
Tim Sifert, the Communications Director for the Arizona Republican Party says his party and especially, Arizona Senator John McCain, are working for veterans.
“He is maximizing his influence in congress to benefit veterans throughout the country,” said Sifert.
But one veteran disagreed, and said he is dismayed with some Republicans who he feels don’t vote for veterans.
“John McCain voted against the GI bill a few years ago,” said Marine Veteran Tomas Robles. “There was a recent veterans bill that came up to the Senate and only two Republicans voted for it.”
Sifert says the contrary is true.
“It’s in our platform to honor the sacred commitment and sacrifice that veterans have made,” Sifert said.
Holton said she regretted they were not able to discuss all the veterans’ issues such as complications with veterans affairs but says the knowledge she gained she will “take back to Hillary [Clinton] and Tim [Kaine].”