ROCKWALL — Showing off a pile of campaign literature, Rockwall Congressional candidate Steve Clark describes himself this way: "I'd be considered an incumbent's worst nightmare. I am somebody who likes tea parties, and was able to save a little money."
Now Clark is spending his money, challenging Republican incumbent Ralph Hall, who has been a member of the House for three decades.
On his Web site, Clark calls himself a "veteran of the U.S. Air Force." But his only service was in Colorado Springs, where he spent two years at the Air Force Academy.
Some military veterans who support Ralph Hall took out an ad in the Rockwall newspaper to cry foul.
"Mr. Clark was a cadet, in a cadet uniform, with a cadet rank," says retired Army Colonel Bob Amick. "His biggest accomplishment was being on a debate team."
West Point graduate David Peek agrees. "I think this is less than honest."
But Clark claims he's been totally honest. "I can't imagine any veteran questioning another veteran's service," he said.
According to Meade Warthhen, a spokesperson for the Air Force Academy, "a cadet is on active duty during his enrollment at the academy," and if a cadet leaves, "he will receive an honorable discharge."
Clark said he only quit because the Vietnam war was ending, and the Air Force didn't need more pilots.
"Now if I had claimed that I was a combat veteran, or if I wore the Vietnam campaign ribbon, that would be wholly inappropriate," Clark said. "I really just don't know what the question is here."
When we asked Rep. Hall about the issue, he said he doesn't care if Clark calls himself a "veteran," he respects his opponent. But the News 8 meeting with the disappointed vets was arranged in the office of Hall's political consultant.
Each side says the other is hitting below the belt. Next Tuesday, voters will have the final say.
E-mail greaves@wfaa.com
