Richard Blumenthal in 2008: "I Wore the Uniform in Vietnam"
Another example has come to light of Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic Senate candidate, exaggerating his history of military surface.
The Stamford Advocate pulled from its archives statements made by Blumenthal at a Stamford, Conn. Veterans Day parade on November 9th, 2008.
"I wore the uniform in Vietnam and many came back to all kinds of disrespect," Blumenthal said. "Whatever we think of war, we owe the men and women of the armed forces our unconditional support."
As the New York Times first reported, Blumenthal has made reference to "the days that I served in Vietnam," even though he was never actually on the battlefield. He served six years in the Marine Corps Reserves in the United States and, in fact, received at least five deferments to keep him out of the war.
Blumenthal appeared with a group of veterans Tuesday to respond to the controversy.
"On a few occasions I have misspoken about my service and I regret that, and I will take full responsibility," he told reporters. "But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to this country."
He said his claims to have served in Vietnam were "absolutely unintentional - a few misplaced words." He cited as an example saying he served "in" the Vietnam War instead of "during" the war.
Blumenthal campaign spokesperson Maura Downes similarly told the Advocate, "He acknowledged that on a few occasions that he may have misspoke."
The Advocate reports there are now at least five incidents on record in which Blumenthal misspoke about his service.
Meanwhile, Blumenthal plans to put his attention on the economy and other issues as he returns to the campaign trail, the Associated Press reports.
"I think in the end, the people of Connecticut care a lot more about what's happening today in their lives, whether they're going to keep their homes, their health care and their jobs," campaign adviser Marla Romash told the AP.
