2006年VOA标准英语-Record Number of Iraq War Vets Running for Cong

By Jeff Swicord
Chicago, IL
28 September 2006
 
watch Vets¹ Run for Congress

There is a record number of veterans running for office in the 2006 mid-term elections.  All except one are running as Democrats³ and many are veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Jeff Swicord takes a look at two Democrats and one Republican candidate who are expected to have the best chances to win. 

 
Patrick Murphy
In the living room of the Jackson family, 32-year-old Patrick Murphy addresses a group of neighbors who have gathered to hear him speak. 

Murphy, an Iraq war veteran, is running for Congress in the 8th district of Pennsylvania near the East Coast city of Philadelphia.

"Since May 16th in that primary, I can tell you in our campaign, we knocked on over 20,000 doors," he says as part of his conversation.

Patrick Murphy is one of about 10 veterans who fought in the Iraq and Afghan wars running for Congress this term. Only one is running as a Republican.  Unlike 2004, in this election cycle Democrats think the country has grown weary of the president's policies in Iraq.  And in every race across the country, they have made the Iraq war issue Number One.

"We need a change in direction in Iraq," Murphy says. "That is why we need leaders to stand up and say, Mr. President, it is time to bring our troops home.  And be very clear about it.  And that is what we need to do."

 
Tammy Duckworth
Half way across the U.S., in Illinois' 6th district just outside of Chicago, Tammy Duckworth is another Iraq war veteran running as a Democrat² for Congress.  She served as a helicopter pilot in Iraq, and lost both of her legs when her helicopter was shot down.  She was opposed to the war from the start.  And like other Democratic hopefuls, her campaign strategy is to run against the policies of the president and the Republican-led House and Senate of the last six years.

"I just don't think that our policy makers⁴ have lived up to the sacrifices that our troops make,” said Duckworth.  “And I want to be there in Congress the next time we decide that we are going to go to war.  And to make sure that they understand the real costs of war and that it is the right thing to do."

 
Van Taylor
In the 17th congressional district of West Texas, Van Taylor is the sole Iraq war veteran running as a Republican.  He is running against a Democratic incumbent⁵ in this rural district -- home to President Bush and his ranch⁶ in Crawford. 

Van Taylor, a Harvard graduate and successful businessman, was a U.S. Marine⁷ who served in Iraq as a captain.  He is a strong supporter of President Bush and the Iraq war.  And says there should be no retreat from Iraq until the job is done.

"You know I am not concerned about our troops on the ground.  We have the greatest military in the world.  I was proud to have served ten years in the Marine Corps⁸ with some outstanding young men and women who are fighting for our country and our freedom as we speak.  What I am concerned about is liberal Democrats who are seeking to undercut the president's efforts to ensure, and our military's effort to make sure, that we stay free."

Van Taylor's campaign has refused to talk about poll numbers.  Recent polls show Patrick Murphy's campaign gaining ground.  In May he was down by 14 points to his first term Republican opponent.  And in July, that margin⁹ had narrowed to 6 points. 

In the last poll taken of her race in May, Tammy Duckworth was shown to be in a dead heat with her opponent.  And some observers believe she has gained ground since then.  The success of both candidates suggests their anti-war stance is resonating with voters.  But the real test will come when voters head to the polls in November. 

1 vets   

abbr.veterans （复数）老手，退伍军人；veterinaries （复数）兽医n.兽医( vet的名词复数 )；老兵；退伍军人；兽医诊所v.审查（某人过去的记录、资格等）( vet的第三人称单数 )；调查；检查；诊疗

参考例句：

• I helped train many young vets and veterinary nurses too. 我还帮助培训了许多年青的兽医和护士。 来自互联网
• In fact, we've expanded mental health counseling and services for our vets. 实际上，我们已经扩大了退伍军人的心理健康咨询和服务。 来自互联网

2 democrat   

n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员

参考例句：

• The Democrat and the Public criticized each other.民主党人和共和党人互相攻击。
• About two years later,he was defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter.大约两年后，他被民主党人杰米卡特击败。

3 democrats   

n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The Democrats held a pep rally on Capitol Hill yesterday. 民主党昨天在国会山召开了竞选誓师大会。
• The democrats organize a filibuster in the senate. 民主党党员组织了阻挠议事。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 makers   

n.制造者，制造商（maker的复数形式）

参考例句：

• The makers of the product assured us that there had been no sacrifice of quality. 这一产品的制造商向我们保证说他们没有牺牲质量。
• The makers are about to launch out a new product. 制造商们马上要生产一种新产品。 来自《简明英汉词典》

5 incumbent   

adj.成为责任的，有义务的；现任的，在职的

参考例句：

• He defeated the incumbent governor by a large plurality.他以压倒多数票击败了现任州长。
• It is incumbent upon you to warn them.你有责任警告他们。

6 ranch   

n.大牧场，大农场

参考例句：

• He went to work on a ranch.他去一个大农场干活。
• The ranch is in the middle of a large plateau.该牧场位于一个辽阔高原的中部。

7 marine   

adj.海的；海生的；航海的；海事的；n.水兵

参考例句：

• Marine creatures are those which live in the sea. 海洋生物是生存在海里的生物。
• When the war broke out,he volunteered for the Marine Corps.战争爆发时，他自愿参加了海军陆战队。

8 corps   

n.(通信等兵种的)部队；(同类作的)一组

参考例句：

• The medical corps were cited for bravery in combat.医疗队由于在战场上的英勇表现而受嘉奖。
• When the war broke out,he volunteered for the Marine Corps.战争爆发时，他自愿参加了海军陆战队。

9 margin   

n.页边空白；差额；余地，余裕；边，边缘

参考例句：

• We allowed a margin of 20 minutes in catching the train.我们有20分钟的余地赶火车。
• The village is situated at the margin of a forest.村子位于森林的边缘。