Democrats recruit Iraq war vets in the battle for votes

Sarah Baxter, Washington



THE rocket-propelled grenade that struck Major Laddy “Tammy” Duckworth, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot, in Iraq nearly killed her. She would have bled to death had the searing heat not cauterised her wounds. When she woke up in hospital in America a week later her husband gently told her she had lost both her legs.

One of the first things she said was: “Put me to work.” Despite losing her right leg at the hip and her left leg below the knee, she wants to fly again as a civilian or military pilot. But she also has high hopes of a new career.

Duckworth, 37, is one of a growing number of officers with impeccable patriotic credentials who are being encouraged by senior Democrats to try for Congress next year.

There are enough war veterans — at least nine — for them to have their own name: the fighting Democrats. Some are already on the hustings shaking hands, kissing babies and making a bid for the centre ground of American politics.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-1903271,00.html

Leadership, experience and common sense. I hope the best for them and us.