Richard Blumenthal Apologizes for Exaggerating Military Service

AP

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic candidate for the Senate, has apologized for exaggerating his history of military service.

"At times when I have sought to honor veterans, I have not been as clear or precise as I should have been about my service in the Marine Corps Reserves,'' Blumenthal said in a statement e-mailed to the Hartford Courant late Sunday. "I have firmly and clearly expressed regret and taken responsibility for my words."

"I have made mistakes and I am sorry. I truly regret offending anyone,'' Blumenthal added. "I will always champion the cause of Connecticut's and our nation's veterans."

Blumenthal has been under scrutiny for the past week, since the news broke that in multiple instances he misleadingly suggested he served on the battlefield during the Vietnam War. While Blumenthal served six years in the Marine Corps Reserves, he received at least five deferments to keep him out of Vietnam.

Soon after the New York Times reported on Blumenthal's misleading statements, the well-liked politician appeared with a group of veterans to respond to the controversy. He said he regretted misspeaking, but he did not apologize.

Blumenthal sent an apology to the Courant after the newspaper asked his campaign on Sunday afternoon if one would be forthcoming. Along with the Courant, some veterans groups and other Connecticut politicians had urged Blumenthal to apologize.

Blumenthal accepted the Democratic nomination for the Senate on Friday. He is likely to face off against either Republican Linda McMahon, the former World Wrestling Entertainment CEO, or former Rep. Rob Simmons in the general election. The seat is currently held by Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd, who is retiring.

Tim Kaine, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said on ABC's "This Week" on Sunday that Blumenthal's statements "were wrong, and it was very important for him to acknowledge that and clear that up."

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that "Mr. Blumenthal has damaged his reputation as somebody you could trust by misrepresenting his record."

[RobAla]

This guy should be done. The Chief Law Enforcement guy in Connecticut is guilty of bold faced lying. He does a dis-service to those who served in Viet Nam.

[wfw3536]

This guy is a bum and should never be elected to any position. When you lie about your service to our country on a number of occassions there is no excuse. He is a low life to claim service to our country. Kick the bum out.

[stormerF3]

Now he wants our Trust to spend our Tax Dollars to improve the country,but will not enhance his own agenda and we are suppose to believe him? How about the 5 deferments he got before he was accepted ion the reserve,Talk about a Draft Dodgeing Liar.

[cleric60]

The our children cry out: "Liar, liar, pants (uniform) on fire!"
Do we really need another liar in Congress???????

[cleric60]

The our children cry out: "Liar, liar, pants (uniform) on fire!"
Do we really need another liar in Congress???????

[jgg000101]

why is there no mention that he also lied about being captain of his college swim team - when he wasn't even on the team? There's also no mention that during his "I misspoke" photo-op, one of his supporting cast of characters dressed in military hats and jackets - never even served in the armed forces? This guy is a serial liar.

[Dgunner]

This is one of thousands of lies told to the voting public to obtain a position of political power. Every so often the watchdog groups will succeed in discovering such lies and exaggerations made by desperate people who desperatly want the label of congressman or congresswoman.Washington is full of liars and thieves. History repeats itself every election and will continue to do so untill the PEOPLE quit collaboratting with liars and thieves. Hence stop voting and use the rules against them. Anyone who votes then later discovers that thier incumbent is no better than than the one voted out. the thieves and liars remain the same the faces only change.

[FP1970]

I'd like to apologize for claiming to have thought up the theory of relativity, I was exagerating.