GA Dems Call McCain to Support GI Bill

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd and candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Bill Gillespie made a call today asking Republican presidential candidate, John McCain to stand up for veterans by supporting the 21st Century G.I. Bill of Rights, introduced in the U.S. Senate by Democrat Jim Webb (D-Va.).

If passed, the 21st Century GI Bill would continue the legacy of the GI Bill first established in 1944, by helping returning veterans obtain higher education in preparation for success in the private sector.

"Democrats believe in supporting our troops and that means sending them to war only when we have no other option, bringing them home when they've finished the job, and taking care of them and their families when they return,” said Kidd. “The 21st Century GI Bill helps the newest generation of combat veterans obtain the education, prosperity and security that is such an important part of the American dream."

Gillespie is running for the U.S. House in the 1st District as a Democrat, and says one of the reasons he is proud of his party is due to the commitment to U.S. Veterans.

"It's time for John McCain and Jack Kingston to stop playing politics with the future and wellbeing of our veterans and their families. I know from experience that the GI Bill is one of the greatest achievements of our government, helping hundreds of thousands of veterans build a life after their military service. Now it's time to reinforce our commitment to the veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Gillespie.

McCain is visiting Georgia today, in hopes of raising almost half a million dollars for his presidential campaign. Democrats are calling on the Senator from Arizona to take advantage of his visit to Savannah, and take on what the Democrats are calling a greater cause - standing up for veterans' benefits.

Georgia is home to a dozen active military bases, and has a large community of active-duty soldiers, reservists, National Guard personnel, and veterans. More than 50,000 veterans and active-duty personnel live in the 1st Congressional District.

"Today, we're calling on Senator McCain to do right by our servicemen and women and take advantage of his appearance in Georgia to tell America that he supports the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights, and that he will be its biggest champion on the Senate floor," Kidd said.

--Lydia Senn