MyDD :: NC-08: Iraq Vet Dunn May Challenge Hayes

In the days leading up to the OH-02 special election, thinking about Paul Hackett's status as an Iraq War veteran, I wondered if the Iraq War would be for the modern Democratic Party what Watergate was in the seventies. In the aftermath of that scandal, a whole crop of young, idealistic Democrats were elected to Congress in a backlash against the GOP. Quickly dubbed Watergate Babies their ranks included Henry Waxman, Tom Harkin, Chris Dodd, and Paul Tsongas.

Even as Hackett was out campaigning, other Iraq vets were busy making plans for 2006 -- Patrick Murphy in the PA-08 and David Ashe in the VA-02. According to The Charlotte Observer, Tim Dunn of North Carolina may soon join their ranks, seeking to take out GOP incumbent Robin Hayes.

Democrat Tim Dunn, a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves, got back from Iraq late last year. A trial lawyer by profession, Dunn spent six months in Baghdad helping the Iraqi Special Tribunal investigate and begin prosecuting Saddam Hussein and other former Iraqi leaders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"When I got back from Iraq, my intention was to go back ... But I feel now is the time for a different type of service," Dunn, 45, told the Observer over the weekend. "I am seriously interested in this race" to represent the 8th congressional district, which stretches from east Charlotte to Fort Bragg.

If Dunn jumps into the race, he would join a growing platoon of veterans from conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan who are challenging GOP congressmen in 2006. Dunn said he'll make a decision in the next few weeks, but added, "I am a likely candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives."

Just as Paul Hackett was much more than just the "Iraq Vet" candidate, Dunn is also keen on challenging Hayes on one issue that could really damage him with local voters -- CAFTA.

In the interview with the Observer, Dunn took a political poke at Hayes for saying he would vote against CAFTA, then voting for it after a last-minute meeting with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.

"I have a concern when our incumbent congressman told us how he was going to vote and then -- seemingly under political pressure -- changed his mind," Dunn said. "With the number of jobs lost in the 8th district -- especially in the textile industry -- I certainly think that will be an issue."

Hayes' high-profile flip-flop on CAFTA and his refusal to support a popular anti-torture measure that passed the House 415-8 has already made him a target of the DCCC. Even without an Iraq War veteran for a challenger, Hayes looks vulnerable. In 2004, he won the district 56% to 44%, even though he had a 7-to-1 fundraising advantage over his opponent, Beth Troutman. That's a far tighter margin than Paul Hackett had to overcome in the OH-02.

It's too early to say that what we're seeing is the conception of the Iraq Babies. But arrogant incumbents like Hayes make perfect targets for disciplined candidates like Dunn. And around the country, the mere fact that veterans like Hackett, Dunn, Murphy, and Ashe are returning from war to run for office as Democrats must send a powerful message to moderates that there is something very wrong with the current GOP leadership.