The News Journal, October 5, 2008

DOVER — Delaware veterans seeking a voice in state government sounded out candidates for the state’s highest public offices Saturday during a forum at Delaware Technical and Community College.

About 50 veterans and family members gathered in the auditorium for a 90-minute panel discussion with six candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, and the U.S. Congress and Senate….

The candidates for lieutenant governor, Democrat Matt Denn and Republican Charlie Copeland, each touted past work they’ve done on behalf of veterans.

Denn, who has served as insurance commissioner since 2004, said his office put together an insurance guide for active duty military and veterans after he learned of their concerns.

Recently, state lawmakers passed a law to make it easier for retired doctors to return to work at a VA hospital in Delaware, he said.

Denn, who attended a ceremony last week to send off a Delaware National Guard Unit to Iraq, said he’s committed to personally reaching out to veterans.

“You’re literally standing there in the middle of this incredibly personal and painful moment,” Denn said of watching family members say goodbye. “For me, it’s a stark reminder of what a lot of people are doing for this country and what a lot of families are doing for our country.”

Copeland, who owns a small family printing business, said he doesn’t believe that veterans issues receive the attention in the Legislature they deserve.

As Senate Minority Leader, he introduced a bill two years ago to allow personalized license plates for Gold Star families, Vietnam Veterans and other veterans groups.

The bill passed earlier this year.

As lieutenant governor, Copeland said, he would use his experience and education as a small businessman to help veterans start businesses and stay in Delaware.

“If you look back in history, no democracy has lasted more than about 250 years, and we’re at about two and a quarter,” Copeland said, adding that he decided to run for office because he wanted to “stay and fight.”

“We’ve got a serious, serious problem facing us economically across the nation, but also socially across the nation,” Copeland said…