In response to the Republican criticism, the Kerry campaign compared the war credentials of his Republican critics with those of the senator, a Navy veteran who received three Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star for combat in the Vietnam War. DeLay did not serve in that war because of student deferments, and Hastert is not a veteran. Racicot, a lawyer, served in the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps from 1973 to 1976.
''Clearly, Senator Kerry intended no disrespect or lack of support for our commander in chief during wartime, but the point of this campaign is, obviously, to change the administration of this government,'' campaign spokeswoman Kelley Benander said in a statement. ''And unlike many of his Republican critics, Senator Kerry has worn the uniform, served his country, seen combat, so he'd just as soon skip their lectures about supporting our troops.'' |
