Veterans Groups Salute McConnell On War Efforts

Updated: Mon 10:41 AM, Aug 13, 2007

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell
has been a popular target of anti-war groups. Now he's being
saluted by a veterans group for supporting military efforts in
Iraq.

Vets for Freedom says it will roll out a television ad tomorrow
to counter criticism of the Kentucky Republican by anti-war
activists. The group was formed by veterans who served in Iraq and
Afghanistan.

The sharply worded ad will thank McConnell for "not tying the
hands of our commanders" and "letting us take the fight to
al-Qaida." The ad says the Republican senator has been under
pressure "from people who are willing to accept defeat."

The ad is the latest salvo in a strategy by supporters and
opponents of the war to try to influence McConnell by taking to the
airwaves.

McConnell has been the leading Senate defender of Bush's war
policy. The senator is running for re-election next year. No
Democrat has formally announced a challenge of McConnell, but
Attorney General Greg Stumbo has formed an exploratory committee.

AP-NY-08-12-07 0715EDT

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