Why Elections Matter – Veterans’ Jobs Bill Edition

When you consider this:

Eager to shoot down President Obama’s legislative agenda just weeks before the election, Senate Republicans on Wednesday blocked a measure that would have provided $1 billion over five years to help veterans find work in their communities.

The measure, which would have potentially created jobs for up to 20,000 veterans, was blocked on a procedural point by Republicans, who argued that the bill was unpaid for. Senator Patty Murray, a Washington Democrat and the bill’s main sponsor, said the bill would have covered the costs in part with fees on Medicare providers and suppliers who are delinquent on their tax bills.

The procedural vote was 58 to 40; 60 votes would have been required to waive Republican objections.

… Remember that this guy:

Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), who received five deferments to avoid serving in Vietnam, replaced this guy:

Former Sen. Max Cleland (D-GA), who left both legs and an arm there.

Yes, Sen. Chambliss was one of the forty Republican senators who voted to block the  veterans’ jobs bill. How do you think Max Cleland would’ve voted?