Joe Walsh faces campaign backlash over comments on double-amputee rival

Rep. Walsh faces campaign backlash over comments on double-amputee rival
Published July 06, 2012
FoxNews.com

Republican Rep. Joe Walsh is facing a campaign trail backlash after he was caught on camera last weekend accusing his double-amputee opponent of talking too much about her military record.

The Illinois congressman, who is running against Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth, has defended his remarks and reiterated that he still thinks his Democratic opponent is a "hero."

But Duckworth has used the gaffe to hammer the incumbent congressman almost daily this past week, even prompting one veterans group to call for Walsh's resignation.

While Walsh says Duckworth is manufacturing outrage, that hasn't stopped the decorated Democratic candidate from turning his remarks into a centerpiece campaign issue.

Duckworth earlier this week called Walsh's comments "irresponsible" and "insulting" to servicemembers.

Atop her campaign website is an online petition seeking support over the comments.

"It's time we teach Joe Walsh a lesson about true heroism," the petition says.
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also Tammy Duckworth lost legs in service to country, Rep. Joe Walsh lost his mind

Duckworth defends military talk on the campaign trail
Posted by
CNN's Ashley Killough

(CNN) – Democratic congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran and double-amputee, fired back at opponent Rep. Joe Walsh of Illinois after he criticized her for talking too much about her military service.

"It's very irresponsible for Mr. Walsh, as a sitting congressman, to try to muzzle war veterans and keep them from talking about their service," Duckworth said on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer."
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