Radnofsky vs. Hutchison debate: Hutchison says no

By Dan Genz (Waco Tribune-Herald)

Texas Senate candidate Barbara Ann Radnofsky is skewering U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison's performance on veterans' issues and wants to debate the two-term Republican incumbent about the issue in Waco.

Hutchison, who won kudos from local veterans and U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, for her high-profile role in keeping the Waco Veterans Affairs Hospital open, turned down the request.

Hutchison's campaign said with November's election still months away, it's too early for politics.

But in a telephone interview with Radnofsky and in an e-mail from Hutchison's campaign, both camps were happy to tell the Tribune-Herald why they're best on an issue important to many voters during a time of war.

Here's what each candidate's camp had to say on VA issues:

The Waco VA Hospital:
Hutchison: She quickly sought out veterans and civic leaders for input on the Waco VA Hospital, then worked to convince VA leaders to support the facility and invited two VA secretaries to visit the campus.

She later boosted the hospital by introducing legislation that named it a "center of excellence for mental health" that will steer more federal research funding to Waco and should lift the facility's national profile.

Radnofsky:
The hospital remains open because of "two words: Chet Edwards." She said Hutchison was forced to complement Edwards' proposals with her own support after he and other Waco leaders made it a prominent political issue. She said she would work harder than Hutchison has to ensure the Waco VA Hospital is fully funded and would pursue a moratorium on VA hospital closures.

South Texas VA hospital
Hutchison:
She asked the VA secretary to conduct a study evaluating the need for a VA hospital in South Texas, often the first step toward opening a hospital in a new community. She directed the VA to ensure it is adequately providing for the health care of South Texas veterans. She supported $11.7 million in funding for the long-term lease of a new outpatient clinic in Harlingen.

Radnofsky: Hutchison had more than a decade to propose building a VA hospital in South Texas and only did it late last year in advance of her re-election when Radnofsky had already proposed such a facility. Radnofsky said Hutchison is not willing to rock the boat enough to strongly push for a new hospital in South Texas. Plans for a clinic won't cut it, Radnofsky says, "Expanding a clinic does not a hospital make."

The VA budget
Hutchison: She led the effort in the Senate to fully fund veterans health care, increasing veterans spending by more than $10 billion since she became chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs. She also led the charge to increase funding in the Senate last year when the VA announced it was underfunded by $1.5 billion.

Radnofsky: Hutchison is a rubber-stamp for the Bush administration and is not willing to sharply increase funding for veterans services. She cited the senator's votes against a Democratic proposal to provide more funding through new income tax increases on Americans who make more than $1 million each year.

Veterans' support Hutchison:
She has always made veterans issues a top priority and has been rewarded by veterans for her commitment. The American Legion recently recognized her with the "American Legion Distinguished Public Service Award" for her work on behalf of veterans. She has been designated by the Association of the U.S. Army as its 2006 Outstanding Legislator of the Year.

Radnofsky:
"Do they know her voting record?" she asked. Hutchison has embraced a VA hospital system that pits communities like Waco and South Texas against each other, she added. Radnofsky also has the endorsement of VETPAC, a political action community of veterans that is supporting Democratic candidates this cycle.