Retired Gen. Wesley Clark Endorses Josh Gottheimer Over Scott Garrett

PARAMUS, N.J. — Retired Gen. Wesley Clark endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Josh Gottheimer and his action plan to improve, and expand, veterans' access to medical care.

Gottheimer, a Wyckoff native, is running against seven-term incumbent Republican Rep. Scott Garrett.

Gottheimer's Standing With Our Veterans Action Plan calls for less paperwork and greater accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including improving the department’s appeals process.

“Today, nearly half a million veterans are still forced to wait more than 30 days to see adoctor. That’s unacceptable — especially because we have a greater percentage of wounded vets returning home than ever before,” Gottheimer said. “We need to make it as easy as possible for vets to get care. Making an appointment to see a doctor should be no more difficult than buying movie tickets or ordering groceries online.”

Modernizing the department and making sure it has enough staff to meet the needs of women veterans is also necessary, Gottheimer said.

Gottheimer also wants to put an end to the 20 veteran suicides a day by providing better mental healthcare services.

G.I. Bill benefits and more access to investment capital would be extended to entrepreneurs.

Reservists and National Guardsmen would be given greater access to care under the plan.

Clark is a retired general who was commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and was Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

“The men and women who sign up to protect our country and our way of life put their lives on the line each and every day, and that’s something Josh Gottheimer will never forget,” Clark said. “Josh also understands what’s at stake in our war on terror and he will be the tough leader this district and our nation needs to keep our families safe and stay ahead of those who wish to harm us.”

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Photo: Retired Gen. Wesley Clark endorsing Josh Gottheimer, third from left, at a gathering Monday. Photo by Josh For Congress