Rossi Raises Money with Those Blocking Murray's Women Veterans Bill

Establishment Republicans Block Commonsense Vets Bill Then Host Lavish Fundraiser For Dino Rossi

SEATTLE - On the same day that Senate Republicans blocked a commonsense bill put forward by Senator Patty Murray to help homeless women veterans, they will also hold a lavish fundraiser for perennial politician and fellow establishment Republican Dino Rossi.

"Washingtonians deserve to know where Rossi stands on this commonsense bill to provide services to veterans," said Anne Martens, spokesperson for the Washington State Democrats. "Rossi should speak up and tell us whether he agrees with his DC patrons' decision to block to a bill that would help Washington's women veterans and their children."

POLITICO first reported that a dozen establishment Republicans were planning on feting Rossi today in DC. Those present include longtime members of the Republican establishment Senators Tom Coburn, Lamar Alexander, Judd Gregg and Orrin Hatch.

Today, on behalf of Senator Coburn, Senator McConnell objected to Senator Murray's bill to help homeless women veterans. The bill would expand assistance to women veterans and homeless veterans with children and would increase funding and extend federal grant programs to address the unique challenges faced by these veterans.

VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riNOnsbI6bQ

Both Coburn and McConnell helped recruit Rossi into the Senate race. Coburn has a history of blocking essential services for veterans.

Rossi's record shows that he regularly voted against affordable housing and services for Washington families in need. As a state senator, Rossi voted against protections for residents in low-income housing, voted against funding for affordable housing and heating assistance, voted against an affordable housing levy on real estate sales, cut $3 million from assistance to homeless teen mothers, and proposed eliminating the agency dedicated to preventing child abuse.

"Rossi was pitching million dollar waterfront property when most Washington families were worried about keeping their homes," said Martens. "Now he's siding with the same establishment Republicans who refused to provide services for our homeless veterans. His priorities are way out of touch with Washington families."

6/29/10