Video: Senate Candidate Lies About Serving in 'Nam, Points Fingers

 
 
Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, faced with allegations that he misled voters about his military service during the Vietnam War, on Tuesday acknowledged that he has "misspoken" about his record but described those instances as few and far between.
 
The New York Times reported that Blumenthal, the front-running candidate for U.S. Senate in his state, has on several occasions suggested -- and in at least one instance, flat-out claimed -- that he served in Vietnam even though he did not.
 
"On a few occasions, I have misspoken about my service and I regret that and I take full responsibility," Blumenthal said Tuesday. But he described those remarks as "absolutely unintentional," and said the mistake has only happened a few times out of "hundreds" of addresses he's given.
 
He said he was "proud" of his service in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
 
"Unlike many of my peers, I chose to join the military and serve my country," he said. "I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service."
 
Blumenthal, a Democrat, is in a battle for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Chris Dodd. Linda McMahon of World Wrestling Entertainment fame, former Rep. Rob Simmons and financial analyst Peter Schiff are competing for the Republican nomination. Both McMahon and Simmons called the allegations in the Times report troubling.
 
Simmons, who is a Vietnam veteran, told Fox News the issue could put Blumenthal's campaign in "serious jeopardy." He said he was also offended that Blumenthal chose to hold his press conference at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Blumenthal, who was invited to appear at the VFW, was surrounded by veterans who applauded and cheered him as he spoke and loudly scolded reporters who asked critical questions.
 
One reporter who asked whether Blumenthal thinks he should apologize was shouted down. Read more ...
 
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