I took this video this morning at a news conference held by veterans who support Democrat Al Kissling’s bid for Congress.
The veterans are upset because they believe U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., has voted against issues important to them. The Disabled American Veterans have given Pearce a rating of zero (with 100 being the highest mark) three of the past four years for voting against the group’s position on various bills.
Two Republican military veterans, Ron Nesler and Dale Phelps, presented staffers in Pearce’s
Nesler once campaigned for Pearce, but this time around he says he is fed up with broken promises.
The veterans present said they are upset that Pearce would only agree to one candidate forum, held more than a month ago in the middle of the day, which ensured no live television coverage. The approximately two dozen veterans at today’s event said they want a live debate that includes the opportunity for veterans to question the two candidates.
I called Pearce’s campaign for a response, but have not received one. The campaign has not been very responsive to my requests throughout this election season.
Kissling spoke to the veterans in the parking lot of Pearce’s office on
“You all are being shortchanged, and that’s why I appreciate what you’re doing today to get this message to the Congress,” Kissling said.
Kissling’s campaign brought the man in a chicken suit, who held a sign indicating that he was supposed to be Pearce. He was questioned and heckled by Kissling and the veterans present, but indicated that he wouldn’t address their concerns because he is a chicken.
The chicken, vets and Kissling staffers then stood along Telshor holding signs with messages that included, “Steve, we want more for vets and less for big oil,” and “Why the zero score, Steve?”
I’m still trying to get my hands on video of the Pearce/Kissling candidate forum to publish on this site, but I also think Pearce should participate in another debate, and it should be held at a time that will ensure live television coverage.