from CNN Hillary Clinton supports mandatory funding for VA

November 15, 2007
Clinton appeals to veterans in new radio spot
The ad says Clinton has been a leader in fighting for health care for military personnel.
COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) — As Sen. Hillary Clinton prepares for Thursday’s Democratic presidential debate in Nevada, she launched her third radio ad in South Carolina, an important early voting state in the march to the Democratic Party’s nomination.

The ad, which focuses on health care for military veterans, comes one day after former Sen. John Edwards became the first Democrat of the 2008 cycle to run a television ad in the Palmetto State.

Clinton’s radio spot says the New York senator has been "for decades, a steadfast champion of our troops," and promises that she "will fully fund the VA so that our veterans are guaranteed the health care and mental health care they need for life."

Clinton is a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a fact she routinely mentions on the campaign trail.

Both Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama have run radio ads in this state targeting African-American voters specifically. But South Carolina also boasts a significant population of military servicemen and veterans, and Clinton's ad is the first of this cycle in South Carolina to reach out specifically to that constituency.

The radio spot also boasts that Clinton expanded health coverage for members of the National Guard and Army Reserve, saying, "Hillary expanded the TRICARE program to ensure that all Guard and Reserve members and their families have health benefits."

– CNN South Carolina Producer Peter Hamby

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