Claire McCaskill Sidesteps Todd Akin Questions in Overland
McCaskill spoke about veterans issues at two VFW halls Wednesday.
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Sen. Claire McCaskill sidestepped reporters’ questions Wednesday about whether Congressman Todd Akin should stay in the race following his comments about legitimate rape.
“Missourians who voted in the Republican primary have nominated Todd Akin,” she said. “I think this election will provide very stark contrast between Todd Akin and me,” she told reporters.
"I look forward to showing Missourians how we differ on many issues. Today the issue that I’m showing those differences on how we take care of our veterans and how we prioritize taking care of our veterans.”
When asked again about it, McCaskill repeated her answer that Republicans have nominated Todd Akin, in effect saying that Akin should stay in the race.
McCaskill spoke to two groups of Veterans at VFW halls in Overland and St. Charles Wednesday.
One man called out, "How's your day going?" as McCaskill waited for the mic to be turned on.
"It's been good, it's been good. You know everything's pretty boring these days. We've got no action on this campaign, nobody's paying any attention," she said laughing.
Another man yelled, "All you've got to do is sit back and wait for the other guy to be interviewed."
Veterans Issues
McCaskill sought to draw distinctions between her record addressing veterans issues and Akin's record. She touted her efforts to improve care at John Cochran VA Health Care System in St. Louis by surveying veterans and making improvements based on the survey results.
She also talked about her efforts in increasing gas mileage reimbursements for veterans driving to VA hospitals.
McCaskill listed several things she said Akin voted against which would have benefited veterans.
"There's a long record there of not prioritizing our promises," she said. "I hope that that contrast convinces you ... there is a big difference between the way I view veterans and the priority our country should hold them in as opposed to Congressman Akin."
Veterans asked what McCaskill would do about ballooning debt.
"I do believe we have to spend less and consistently spend less and get us back into the right shape," she said. "I'm hoping the threat of the sequestration will get everyone to the table for a balanced approach."
Jack Bock
10:57 pm on Thursday, August 23, 2012
I think McCaskill wants Akin to run becuase after his misunderstood statement . Todd made the statement after winning the nomination not prior to the election or every Republican female would not have voted for him. Read Mc's statement or better yet, quote, "Missourians who voted in the Republican primary have nominated Todd Akin,” she said. I say, do you think no matter how many times Todd apologizes if the primary were to be held today, after his statement he would be the Republican nominee? You men and women in the VFW be careful who you vote for. Did Mc address how your VA Medical benefits are going to be affectived by Obamacare? Have you invited Todd to speak with you? I'm a member of 3944 and I think he should get equal time. He has three sons who graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as Officers in the United States Marine Corps. If Todd voted against something that would have benefited the Veteran, he had cause. What ever that cause was, was most likely something (PORK) tied to the bill that would benefit someone or something that had priority over you. Imagine that! Semper Fi, Jack Bock, 1stSgt, United States Marine Corps (Retired).