2010 Endorsed Candidates

Congressman Jason Altmire was elected to the 4th congressional district in November 2006. Previous to being elected to the United States Congress Jason was the Acting Vice President for Government Relations and Community Health Services for UPMC, an 18-hospital system with 40,000 employees and $5.5 billion in annual revenue.

Colonel Jeff Barnett spent 26 years in the USAF.  His celebrated career was capped of by his post as Senior Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. He assisted in negotiations with foreign leaders and was also a member of a select team that removed nuclear missiles and aircraft from unstable nations. 

West Point Graduate, and former Army Captain Justin Coussoule brings a wealth of experience and a passion for public service to his fight to take Ohio’s 8th Congressional District back from the grip of Washington’s ultimate insider and champion of corporate special interests, John Boehner, and return forward progress to the district.

Heather Beaven is a wife, a mother, a social entrepreneur, and a Navy veteran. She is running for Florida’s 7th District because she believes that America’s greatest legacy is our commitment to limitless opportunity. Now, it is time that we demand leaders who understand that opportunity is for every American, not just a few. Heather is that candidate

As the son, grandson, and brother of veterans, and a veteran himself, Jay has a very deeply-held commitment to veterans’ issues. This commitment played a strong role in his decision to run for Congress, citing his opponent, Rep. Richard “Doc” Hastings’ terrible record on veterans’ issues. If elected, Jay has made very clear that he will work tirelessly to advocate for our nation’s warriors, and fight to uphold our commitments to them.

Peter DeFazio was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1986. DeFazio serves on the House Transportation And Infrastructure Committee, where he serves as the top Democrat on the Aviation Subcommittee, where he is a vocal advocate for consumer safety and aviation security. He was instrumental in securing the passage of the first significant piece of aviation security legislation in history. He also serves as a member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee and the Railroad Subcommittee.

Jane Dyer received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1981. While at Clemson, she was the first female Commander of Air Force ROTC. Following graduation, Jane joined the U.S. Air Force and became one of its first female pilots. For seven years, she flew a number of planes including T-38s, T-37s and KC-135 Air Refueling Tankers. She left the Air Force as a Captain to become a commercial airline pilot. For the last 20 years, Jane has flown for FedEx, again flying a number of planes and becoming one of its few women Captains.

Donna Edwards represents the principles for which we all want to believe America still stands. One of six children raised in a military family, Donna traveled throughout our country and the world. She learned to appreciate and to listen, to make true friends, and to hold close to her family. In her words, "I had to be versatile and I couldn't be shy ... and wherever we went, we met wonderful people."

John Flerlage is currently an airline captain who served 22 years in the Marine Corps before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Marine Reserve in 2000. In January, 1995, in anticipation of retiring from the Marine Reserve, John and his family settled in Littleton, CO, and since then, John has been readying himself to serve again, this time as the Representative from Colorado's 6th Congressional District. 

Phil Hare is a valued Congressman, and a true friend to veterans. He is seeking his 3rd term in the United States Congress. VetPAC is honored to endorse his candidacy once again.

Congressman Larry Kissell was elected November 4, 2008. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee where he serves on the Readiness and Land and Air subcommittees.  He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee where he is a member of the subcommittees on Conservation, Credit, Energy, and Research; General Farms Commodities and Risk Management, and Specialty Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture.

Rob Miller is a father, small business owner, and Iraq War veteran who was born and raised in the Palmetto State. Rob enlisted in the Marine Corps at age 20, served at Parris Island, led troops twice in Iraq, was promoted to Captain, and was decorated for valor. Rob and his wife, Shane, live in Beaufort with their son, Ransom.

Patrick Murphy was first Iraq war veteran elected to Congress. In that important role, he lead in the fight for veterans rights, and a responsible end to the war in Iraq.

There is no better champion for veterans than Washington Senator Patty Murray. VetPAC is honored to have had her support of our issues and our past endorsed candidates in years prior, and honored now to endorse her 2010 campaign for re-election.

VETPAC is extremely pleased to endorse Gary Peters for Michigan's 9th Congressional district again this year.  Gary will continue to provide leadership and commitment in Congress.

A veteran and lifelong farmer, John Salazar has put his natural understanding of rural values to work as rural Colorado’s voice in Congress. 

Congratulations on the Primary, Joe!!  On to the General. Retired Rear Admiral and current Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for Pennsylvania's 7th District, Joseph Sestak is running for the United States Senate. He is the highest-ranking former military officer ever to serve in Congress.

Two time VetPAC endorsee, Zack Space, continues to make us proud. 

Tommy has always felt a sense of duty to serve the people that he grew up with in any way that he can.  He has served as a citizen, a student, a soldier and a teacher.

After watching Southeastern Missouri struggle for the last fifteen years, Tommy is determined to take action and fight for his home. For the last year, Tommy has been traveling around the district, listening to voters and working hand in hand with the people of Southeast Missouri. In Congress, Tommy is committed to fighting for your interests, and bringing back jobs and prosperity to the district.

From boots on the battleground to scrubs in the emergency room, Manan Trivedi's life's story and life's work have prepared him to confront the pressing challenges Congress faces today.

Master Chief Yeoman, Douglas D. Tudor, (Surface Warfare/Aviation Warfare), has had an exemplary career in the US military. His many achievements can be highlighted by noting his awards: Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with two oak leaf clusters), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two gold stars)

John is running a smart race in Kentucky's 4th District against industrial deregulation proponent Geoff Davis. 

Representative Walz is a fine man and VetPAC is proud to once again endorse him.

Matt Zeller has dedicated his life to fighting for our country and way of life. At age 19, just months after the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, Zeller joined the Army. As a student at Hamilton College in central New York, Zeller enrolled in ROTC. After graduating with honors in 2004, he attended the Maxwell School at Syracuse University where he received Masters degrees in International Relations and Public Administration in 2006.