Rassmann, McPeak, Evans to Lead 'Veterans for Merkley'

August 27, 2007

PORTLAND--Retired Air Force General Tony McPeak, former Army Special Forces officer Jim Rassmann, and Iraq/Afghanistan war veteran Paul Evans have been tapped to lead the Veterans for Jeff Merkley effort, Merkley's U.S. Senate campaign announced Monday. Rassmann will serve as the chair, with McPeak and Evans serving as co-vice chairs.

General Merrill A. "Tony" McPeak of Lake Oswego was the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force from 1990 to 1994. He is a Vietnam veteran and his military decorations include the Silver Star and the Distinguished Service Medal. General McPeak has been an outspoken critic of President Bush's military and foreign policy. During the 2000 presidential election he campaigned for Bush but in 2003 he broke with the president over the invasion of Iraq. He served as military advisor to Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election.

"The Bush Administration, with the continued, if now seemingly uncomfortable support of Gordon Smith, has brought our standing in the world to an all time low," said McPeak. "We cannot afford any more thoughtlessness with our reputation, wealth or the lives of our children. It's time to bring Gordon home and get Oregon some common sense representation in the Senate. Jeff Merkley is just the right guy."

Jim Rassmann of Florence was a Green Beret in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. During a March, 1969, ambush on the Bay Hap River, Rassmann was blown off a swift boat and was rescued by then-Lt. John Kerry. Rassmann entered the political arena 35 years later, campaigning for Kerry in the 2004 presidential election and chairing the Veterans for Kerry movement. In a recent commentary in the Oregonian, Rassmann disputed the sincerity of Gordon Smith's new-found opposition to the Iraq War.

"Jeff has a long record of solid commitment to Oregon vets," Rassmann said. "He knows the importance of taking care of our men and women in uniform, not just on the battlefield but after they return home as well."

Paul Evans served with the U.S. Air Force in Iraq in 2003 and 2005, and Afghanistan in 2006. Evans, a former Monmouth City Councilor and Mayor, was called up to active duty in the wake of the 9-11 attacks. Over the past fifteen years as an active duty serviceman and National Guardsman, Evans has completed eight overseas contingency operations and multiple homeland security missions. He currently advises Governor Ted Kulongoski on military and veterans' issues.

"Jeff Merkley cares about our military and their families," Evans said. "I am proud to stand beside him because I know he will do everything possible for the men and women in harm's way - and the families that support them. Jeff understands what many policymakers have forgotten: the price of this war is being paid by the troops on the ground."

"Oregon needs a Senator who will respect the courage and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform," Merkley said. "That means sending them on the right missions with the right equipment, and treating them with dignity and honor when they come back home. And that means bringing them home from Iraq as soon as possible."

Under Merkley's leadership, the Oregon House of Representatives passed House Joint Memorial 9 calling for the immediate re-deployment of troops currently serving in Iraq; legislation making it easier for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to be hired for civil service jobs; and a tax incentive package to encourage more Oregon doctors to participate in the federal TRICARE military health care program.

"With his support for the Bush policy in Iraq, Gordon Smith has failed Oregon and he has failed America's veterans," Merkley said. "Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines show real leadership every single day. They deserve nothing less in a United States Senator."

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Paid for by Jeff Merkley for Oregon