Republican Support of Troops.... yeah, right.

Okay, I'm one of the new guys on the block, and so was going to wait until after this election cycle to become a first-time diarist.  And... the last 24-hours before the first Tuesday in November is not usually the time to fill up the tubes on the internets with state legislature stuff, but this is just so outrageous, you gotta see it to believe it.  Check this...

The quick back story is that Paul Evans, an Oregon educator, small-town mayor, volunteer firefighter (and the list of service goes on and on, including Sunday School teacher), is a Democratic candidate for the State Senate.  A few weeks ago, Paul's Air Guard unit got called up for a 60-day mission in Iraq... ship-out date just two days before election day.  A decorated war veteran, he didn't hesitate, didn't pull strings, just shipped out with hopes that he will be elected, and will be back from serving his country over there in time to serve as a State Senator here.

So, since the Republicans in these parts have yellow "Support Our Troops" ribbons plastered all over their vehicles, they'd all support Paul, right?  Whether or not they support his candidacy, they've gotta support his service in our country's uniform putting his life on the line for us, yes?

Guess again.  The (Salem) Statesman Journal published this letter to the editor from a Democrat(!) voting Republican serving on the Monmouth City Council with him:

Anyone who thinks that having his mayor on active duty with the military does not hamper his abilities in the day to day activities at home is crazy.

Paul Evans received permission from the city council to be gone for a limited time while on active duty. However, his time was extended. Was he going to be in town? Would he be there for key meetings, make community contacts? Who knew?

As a member of the city council, he did not contact me even once while he was serving his country. Paul is interested in climbing the political ladder. I am a Democrat who will vote for Jackie Winters.

-- Beverly Davis, Monmouth

With support like that.....  well....  I'm outraged, and uncharacteristically speechless.

J-M

P.S.  I stumbled onto this on BlueOregon.