Conn AG Blumenthal, now running for US Senate, defends statements on Vietnam service

Conn AG Blumenthal defends Vietnam-era service

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Richard Blumenthal is defending himself against a report he misstated his military service in Vietnam.

Blumenthal’s campaign called a New York Times report which includes video of him at a 2008 event saying he had served “in Vietnam” an “outrageous distortion” on his record.

Blumenthal says he’s always tried to make it clear his Marine Reserve service never took him overseas. The Times reported he got five deferments to avoid going to war between 1965 and 1970.

Blumenthal told the Times he had misspoken at the 2008 event in Norfolk in which he said he served in Vietnam.

In a televised March debate, Blumenthal stated clearly he had not served in Vietnam.

Blumenthal’s campaign said he planned an event Tuesday with veterans showing their support for him.