Iraq Veteran Paul Hackett Bows To Party Pressure And Bows Out Of Senate Race

Daily Kos, now 0 for 17 (?) and counting:

Iraq war veteran Paul Hackett, who gained popularity for his staunch criticism of President Bush, has dropped out of the Democratic race for U.S. Senate in Ohio, according to a published report.

Hackett told The New York Times for Tuesday's editions that the same party leaders who urged him to run for Senate after his political debut in a House race last year had turned on him.

"This is an extremely disappointing decision that I feel has been forced on me," Hackett said.

...

He declared his candidacy for Republican Mike DeWine's Senate seat after it appeared Democratic Rep. Sherrod Brown would not run. Brown declared his Senate candidacy shortly after that, however, and national Democrats privately began urging Hackett to step aside. On Sunday, some national Democrats made those requests publicly.

Netroots power! The people have now taken control of their power!

Kick that donkey, Kos! Kick that donkey!

Thanks to Slublg.

The Anti-War Left Is Not Amused: Jon Stolz of anti-war veterans organization Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America PAC released this statement:

It is an outrage that the Democratic Party has forced Paul Hackett out of the race for U.S. Senate. Hackett brought credibility on the number one issue facing the nation – the war in Iraq. The Democratic Party loses credibility on that issue because he is no longer running, and because they had a hand in his decision.

The good news is that there are still a number of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans running for office around the nation. We are committed to getting these patriots the early institutional support they need, because it is becoming abundantly clear that the party leadership has no interest in them.

The Democratic Party lost more credibility on this issue? I think it's in Joe Isuzu territory at this point.

posted by Ace at 11:13 AM

| Access Comments