How Is This Strong on Homeland Security?

Well isn't this fun? [From the Webb Campaign.] (Arlington, VA) — Senator George Allen routinely tells Virginians one reason they should vote for him is that they “know” him. Really? Do Virginians know that while in the Senate, George Allen, has voted three times against an increase in funding to help the nation’s police and fire agencies communicate in emergencies? Let’s tell them. Since September 11, 2001, George Allen has voted three times against increasing funding for interoperable communications for first responders. However, yesterday, George Allen jumped at the opportunity to change his mind and support funds for interoperable communications. Unfortunately, for Allen’s Senate reelection campaign, the legislation was tabled. “Having been a leader on the battlefield and in the Pentagon, Jim Webb understands what it takes to keep Americans secure. But George Allen obviously only gets it in an election year. He actively opposed funding for first responders until his reelection was in serious doubt. This is a case where George Allen, panderer extraordinaire, is playing catch up in an election year,” said Webb spokesperson Kristian Denny Todd. In 2005, the 9/11 Commission gave the Federal Government and Congress a failing grade in first responder communications. Later, despite this disparaging grade, George Allen still showed poor judgment and voted against three separate funding increases of $5 billion dollars for essential first responder programs. “By voting against this essential funding and opposing the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission, George Allen has shown how out of touch he is with the security and safety needs of Virginians. Issues like this are too important to only get George Allen’s support when he is in a political freefall,” said Denny Todd. [Washington Post, 8/22/02; Vote 45, SCR 83, 3/15/06, Rejected 43-55; http://www.9-11pdp.org/press/2005-12-05_report.pdf; HR 2862, Vote 227, 9/14/05, Motion To Waive Budget Act Failed 40-58, HR 2360, Vote 183, 7/14/05, Motion to Waive Budget Act Failed 35-63] I guess Firemen and Police Officers can just fend for themselves when they are trying to protect us and save our lives. "Senator" Allen continues to show what a stand-up kind of guy he isn't. To contribute to Jim Webb for Senate, click James Webb, VA-Sen, Virginia, Virginia Politics, Politics, Jim Webb, News, 2006, Senate, George Allen, 2006 Races, Democrats, Republicans, Campaigns, Congress, Campaigns-Elections, macaca