9 Progressive Vets to Watch in the Battle for Congress [View all]

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http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2012/05/military-veterans-congress


Ulysses S. Grant Cavalry Memorial on Capitol Hill Konstantin L/Shutterstock

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This year, the Dems are again trying to take back the House, and again they're relying on military experience to help. So far, 41 progressive-leaning vets are running for Congress. The dynamics are different this year: Voters appear to value economic know-how over global security experience. Even so, a recent poll showed that vets get more respect from voters on fiscal issues than other candidates do. And whether or not they win, the candidates in long-shot districts may bring out votes for tight Senate contests and the race for the White House—several are running in battleground states, including Virginia, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Florida, where the military vote could end up being key.

Here are nine of the new fighting Dems worth watching:



Most folks in the United States first heard of this former Army staff sergeant, Iraq vet, and nonprofit organizer in January, when his campaign manager's cat was found murdered with the word "LIBERAL" scrawled across its body (warning: graphic image at the link). This month, Aden paused in the middle of his 253-mile run for hunger-awareness to rescue a motorist from her flipped car. He's hoping to turn back a freshman congressman best known for joining the "shutdown caucus."

Pros: Did we mention that he rescued a woman from a flipped car in the middle of his 253-mile run against hunger?

Cons: At least one resident of his district is willing to use violence against progressives.




A Navy Reserve intelligence officer and school board president, Chen has gotten conservatives' goat for proposing Chinese-language immersion programs for schoolkids. He's a long shot against tea party incumbent Ed Royce in this GOP-heavy Orange County district, but has gained some high-profile endorsements and some attention.

Pros: He was a pretty good sport on the Daily Show.

Cons: As an ex-consultant for Bain Capital, he may be more Cory Booker than down-ticket Obama booster.




After stints as a naval officer and president of the state Senate, Shaffer—a well-liked protégé of popular ex-governor Roy Romer—has set his sights on a House seat that progressive icon Betsy Markey lost to a tea partier in 2010. But although Democrats got favorable redistricting in Colorado last year, the 4th ended up more Republican, making Shaffer's chances difficult.

Pros: He drives the pro-gun lobby nuts.

Cons: He drives the pro-gun lobby nuts.