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Iraq Veterans for Congress

{{Infobox organization

| name = Iraq Veterans for Congress

| logo =

| founded_date = 2008

| area_served = United States

| focus = War in Iraq
Global War on Terrorism

| homepage =

}}

Iraq Veterans for Congress was a political organization consisting of military veterans who were Republican candidates for the United States House of Representatives in 2008.

Overview

The candidates served during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, which they state forged them leaders who are "fearless, tested and ready to lead.""[http://www.foxbusiness.com/article/wall-street-journal-reuters-television-cover-iraq-vets-congress-dc_559115_1.html 'Wall Street Journal' and 'Reuters Television' Cover Iraq Vets for Congress in DC]{{Dead link|date=January 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}". Fox Business. April 11, 2008. A main objective of the organization is to counter what they feel is the "often misleading and biased reporting" on Iraq."[http://kml2008.com/Iraq_Vets_for_Congress_denounce_Soros.htm Iraq Vets for Congress Denounces George Soros' Attacks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513182956/http://kml2008.com/Iraq_Vets_for_Congress_denounce_Soros.htm |date=2008-05-13 }}". Press Release. [http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com Iraq Veterans for Congress] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105101244/http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com/ |date=2008-01-05 }}. January 23, 2007.

A prominent member of the organization was Duncan Duane Hunter, the son of Congressman and former presidential candidate Duncan Hunter of California."[http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2008/02/26/members_of_iraq_veterans_for_congress/ Members of Iraq Veterans for Congress]". Associated Press. February 26, 2008. Roughly a quarter of the 110th United States Congress has military service on its resume, down from nearly 50 percent in 1991. According to a recent study by Duke University, veterans are under-represented in Congress compared to the population as a whole for the first time in U.S. history.James, Alexa. "[http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080320/NEWS/803200310/-1/NEWS Returning vets form a political surge]". Times-Herald Record. March 20, 2008. The organization is closely allied to the Veterans for Freedom organization, which was founded by one of its members.Andersen, Ericka. "[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=25928 Vets for Freedom Revitalizes Support for Victory] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080411210634/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=25928 |date=2008-04-11 }}". Human Events. April 9, 2008.

History and political positions

Iraq Veterans for Congress was founded by Marine corporal Kieran Lalor."[http://iraqvetsforcongress.org Iraq Vets for Congress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215043422/http://iraqvetsforcongress.org/ |date=2009-12-15 }}". Retrieved April 14, 2008. The organization positioned itself in stark contrast to anti-war veterans groups such as Veterans for a Secure America, and The Veterans' Alliance for Security and Democracy.Smyth, Julie Carr. "[http://www.ohio.com/news/ap?articleID=446816&c=y Veterans scramble for campaign cash, anti-war group's backing]". Associated Press. March 18, 2008. The organization's platform included victory in Iraq, staying on the offensive in the war on terror, and taking care of all veterans.Smyth, Julie Carr. "[http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/02/ap_candidate_veterans_022608/ Pro-war vets running for Congress team up]". Associated Press. February 27, 2008.

The organization supported the claims of President George W. Bush that the administration's goal in the invasion was to bring democracy to countries in the Middle East and to oppose "islamofascism".{{cite episode

| title = IVC, Lalor, and Breazeale on FOX News

| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVq_9x_FNLE

| series = Fox News Watch

| credits = Shannon Bream

| network = Fox News

| airdate = 2008-03-14

}} While the organization typically avoids discussing the justifications leading up to the war, it pointed to what it viewed as American successes in Iraq.Botti, David. "[http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/soldiershome/archive/2008/03/05/interview-an-iraq-vet-runs-for-congress.aspx Interview: An Iraq Vet Runs for Congress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324000320/http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/soldiershome/archive/2008/03/05/interview-an-iraq-vet-runs-for-congress.aspx |date=2008-03-24 }}". Newsweek. March 5, 2008. Massachusetts candidate Nathan Bech served in both wars.

Activities

The organization has had spots on Fox News, Newsweek and major metropolitan papers, and members were invited to the National Republican Campaign Committees annual Washington, D.C. dinner in March 2008."[http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com/IVC-recognized-NRCC.htm Lalor and Iraq Veterans for Congress Recognized at National GOP Dinner] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513173324/http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com/IVC-recognized-NRCC.htm |date=2008-05-13 }}". Press Release. [http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com Iraq Veterans for Congress] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105101244/http://www.iraqvetsforcongress.com/ |date=2008-01-05 }}. March 13, 2007. The organization endorsed veteran John McCain for President of the United States, and urged Republicans to unite behind him as nominee. They hoped his presidential bid can help candidates for Congress achieve victory on his coattails.Millman, Joel and Farnam, T.W. "[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB120761362590096605 Republican Iraq Vets Seek 17 House Seats]". The Wall Street Journal. April 8, 2008.

List of candidates

The array of candidates put forward by the group includes soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marine officers and enlisted personnel who served in the war in Iraq. While most ran against incumbent Democrats or running in a primary for an open seat, a few ran against Republican incumbents in primaries. All of the candidates pledged to run as a "united front" in support of each other, and the group will provide fund raising and volunteers to its candidates.Seminara, Jim. Those bolded have been elected to Congress."[http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=26039 Troop Surge in Congress?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417010722/http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=26039 |date=2008-04-17 }}". Human Events. April 16, 2008.

References

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Category:American veterans' organizations

Category:Organizations established in 2008