By Garry Rayno
Union Leader Staff

CONCORD -- Republican incumbent 2nd District Congressman Charles Bass was endorsed yesterday by representatives from a number of veterans groups. Calling itself the Veterans for Bass coalition, group members praised Bass for his work for veterans over his 12 years in office, particularly singling out his work to allow veterans to receive both disability and retirement pay.

The chairman of the group, Griffin T. Dalianis of Nashua, said since Bass went to Congress, spending on veterans medical care increased 85 percent, while the Veterans Administration budget has increased 77 percent.

"Charlie talks the talk and walks the walk," Dalianis said.

In accepting the endorsement Bass said, "This may not sound to some like the most important issue of the day, but to me it is." He pledged to continue his support for veterans and their needs in Congress.

"We are all certainly indebted to our veterans for their service to our country. During my time in Congress, I am proud to have worked to ensure that New Hampshire's veterans receive the services and assistance they need," he said.

Bass said more mental health counselors are needed to help those veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. "The number of mental health counselors in the VA right now is woefully inadequate," he said.

While Bass was touting his record on veterans' benefits and services, his opponent took issue with his voting record on those issues.

Democratic 2nd District Congressional candidate Paul Hodes said, "Honoring our veterans takes more than lip service. Charlie Bass can hold a press conference in Concord saying he'll be there for our veterans, but when he's in Washington it's a different story. He's voted for budgets that underfund the VA system; he's voted against bills to increase spending on veterans care; he's voted against concurrent receipt of benefits.

"When it comes to our newest veterans, the men and women returning from the Middle East, Bass's record is terrible. He voted against extending TRICARE to Guard and Reservists who lack health care. He voted against debt assistance and job training programs for returning vets. Is that the kind of leadership we want?" asked Hodes.

Bass said he has a solid record of accomplishment and support for veterans' issues. "My opponent has never cast a vote on any issue and says anything he wants," he said.

Several of the veterans endorsing Bass praised his record and said he has done a tremendous job in Washington for veterans, while Hodes is an unknown.