VFW PAC Director Explains Endorsement Process
Nov. 6, 2006 at 2:18 PM
by Blogmaster
By Salvatore Capirchio, DirectorThe Political Action Committee was founded in 1979 as a separately incorporated organization to support candidates for federal office who will advocate for our nation�s veterans and for America�s security. The PAC consists of an 11-member Board of Directors that sets the endorsement criteria.
Emotions are now running high in the Illinois 6th District congressional race because the PAC chose to endorse a non-veteran over a fellow VFW member who is a disabled combat veteran from the Iraqi war.
The PAC chose to endorse non-veteran Peter Roskam over Tammy Duckworth because of his track record of supporting veterans and service members as an Illinois state representative and then as a state senator. He also completed a required PAC questionnaire that was sent to every incumbent and to those challengers upon request.
A Duckworth campaign representative called me in September to inquire about a PAC endorsement. I explained the process and the fact that a 22-question questionnaire had to be completed. This individual then asked if the Roskam campaign had received an endorsement. I said they had not, which was true at the time. No further contact was initiated by her campaign.
Meanwhile, someone from the Roskam campaign called and asked about a potential endorsement. The PAC�s subsequent endorsement of his candidacy was based on his questionnaire answers, his track record, and upon recommendations by VFW Department of Illinois leadership.
Everyone must know that the PAC process worked as it was designed. Our endorsement was not about political parties or about who served or who didn�t. Our endorsement was about who was going to best serve the interests of the 40,600 veterans who reside in the Illinois 6th District in the United States Congress.
Tammy Duckworth is a brave woman who will continue to make a difference in the lives of others, but the PAC cannot allow military service or VFW membership to be automatic endorsement qualifiers.
