SECOND UPDATE: Vet gives support to Baker’s plan; Jacob keeps up criticism

Baker has been at odds with former state senator Ken Jacob about veterans’ health care. (See my article for the Missourian here and a blog post about their clash at the debate in Columbia.)

Now her plan has gained support from Dewey Riehn, a member of the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and National Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Riehn said that the VFW supports Baker’s plan because it is seeking additional ways of reaching out to rural veterans. In fact, VFW legislative spokesman Dennis Cullinan testified to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs that the organization supports a bill that would create a pilot program similar to Baker’s proposal.

Baker touts the committee’s unanimous passage of the bill as another show of support for plans like hers. The commitee is made up of both Republicans and Democrats, but was introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Moran of Kansas.

Jacob’s campaign criticizes the bill for being more of a Republican plan than a Democratic one.

“Baker is running in a Democratic Primary, but offers Republican proposals,” Sam Hodge, Jacob’s campaign manager, said in a news release.

More on the Ninth District Debate

July 26 (tomorrow) at 1 p.m. and next Saturday, Aug. 2 at 6 a.m., KCRG will be airing an edited hour of the Ninth District debate.

Also, at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. every day, CAT3 is airing the unedited debate, with the Republican and Democrat debates being aired on alternate days.

I’m not sure how long this will be going on, but it’s interesting stuff, so be sure to check it out.

Onder gets Missouri Republican Assembly endorsement

State Rep. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, has been endorsed by the Missouri Republican Assembly.

“Dr. Bob Onder is an outstanding public servant and has proven that he will fight for mainstream
Missouri values in Washington,”   Missouri Republican Assembly President Chris Brown said in a news release from the organization. “The Missouri Republican Assembly applauds Dr. Bob Onder for his proven leadership while in the Missouri Legislature and we offer our full endorsement in the upcoming election.”

Onder is running to replace Kenny Hulshof in the Ninth District seat in Congress. Also running are former Missouri tourism director Blaine Luetkemeyer, Rep. Danie Moore, R-Fulton, former football player Brock Olivo and St. Peters resident Dan Bishir.