Iowa Democratic Senate candidate Josh Turek skipped a vote on legislation funding veteran services to attend a happy hour hosted by the nonprofit arm of VoteVets, a left-wing group whose super PAC has spent millions on his campaign and is aligned with Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.).
Turek, a state representative, was busy at a "Veterans Happy Hour" hosted in Des Moines by VoteVets when the Iowa House of Representatives voted 59-24 on an appropriations bill that allocated nearly $13 million to the state Department of Veterans Affairs and included funding for veteran nursing homes and housing assistance. The vote was held 11 minutes after the scheduled end of the event, which he touted a week earlier.
Turek had announced the event on social media, saying "I come from a long line of veterans, and I rely on the VA for health care related to my disability. I'm teaming up with @VoteVets to host a Veterans Happy Hour in Des Moines next week." The Democrat is wheelchair-bound due to spina bifida, which he attributes to his father's exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.
A Turek spokesperson blamed the missed vote on the bill being rescheduled several times before eventually getting rushed to floor. "Josh Turek is, always has been, and will continue to be a staunch advocate for our nation's veterans, unlike Ashley Hinson, who has defended devastating cuts to the VA," the spokesperson said.
While the event page's fine print notes that it was paid for by the VoteVets Action Fund, the group's nonprofit arm, it also points to "our latest VoteVets ad," a pro-Turek spot bankrolled by the super PAC, not the nonprofit. The ad also directs viewers to the VoteVets website, which is shared by both groups.
Although Turek is not a veteran, the VoteVets has thrown significant support into his campaign, including an endorsement, a $5,000 contribution to his campaign, and nearly $9 million in outside spending, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
The dark money group's support for Turek is just one example of VoteVets falling in line with Schumer. The group, which has raked in some $31 million from Schumer's Senate Majority PAC since 2014, has consistently backed his preferred candidates.
A spokesperson for Schumer's PAC said, "Senate Majority PAC hasn't transferred any funds to VoteVets this cycle."
VoteVets bills itself as "elevat[ing] the voices of Veterans and military families," but did not weigh in on Maine's Senate primary. One Democrat, Graham Platner, routinely discusses benefits he receives as a veteran. His opponent, Gov. Janet Mills (D.), was endorsed by Schumer, she withdrew from the contest last month.
Turek, meanwhile, said he wanted "to see all dark money groups get out of politics" while attempting to distance himself from VoteVets following an April 8 forum. He called the group a "super PAC that has decided to support me" and added that his campaign is "not allowed to engage … directly" with it.
The May 1 happy hour featured several VoteVets staffers, including national organizer for partnerships and engagement Tristeza Ordex and veterans outreach organizer Isabella Camacho.
VoteVets also commissioned a poll that showed Turek, who was recently endorsed by former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg, leading his primary rival Zach Wahls by 20 points after the group launched a statewide advertising campaign.
Wahls, a state senator who was endorsed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.), has accused Schumer and establishment Democrats of trying "to buy" and quietly shape the outcome of the June 2 primary through VoteVets. "We need to win back the trust of rural and blue-collar voters who were written off and lost by Chuck Schumer," Wahls said.
Even if Turek were to defeat Wahls, he'll still need to win over deep red Iowa, which President Donald Trump carried by more than 13 points just 2 years ago. It's had two Republican senators since 2015 and a GOP governor since 2011.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Rep. Ashley Hinson (R., Iowa) for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa).
VoteVets did not respond to a request for comment.
The Iowa House of Representatives, where Turek serves, is the lower chamber of the Iowa General Assembly. It is composed of 100 representatives, each representing a district with approximately 30,000 people. The House is responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, including appropriations bills like the one Turek missed.
The appropriations bill that Turek missed, which allocated nearly $13 million to the state Department of Veterans Affairs, is an example of the type of legislation that is considered by the Iowa House of Representatives. The bill was likely debated and amended by the House before being put to a vote.
Turek's absence from the vote may have been noticed by his constituents, who may be concerned about his commitment to veterans' issues. However, it's also possible that Turek's attendance at the VoteVets event may have been seen as a way to connect with veterans and demonstrate his support for their causes.
The VoteVets event that Turek attended is an example of the type of event that is often hosted by political organizations and advocacy groups. These events can provide opportunities for candidates to connect with voters and demonstrate their support for certain issues or causes.
The fact that VoteVets has spent millions on Turek's campaign and is aligned with Schumer raises questions about the influence of outside groups on politics. Some critics argue that dark money groups like VoteVets can have too much influence on elections and policy decisions, while others see them as a necessary part of the political process.
For American readers, the issue of veterans' funding is an important one, as many veterans rely on government services for healthcare and other support. The fact that Turek missed a vote on legislation funding veteran services may be seen as a concern by some voters.
For Canadian readers, the issue of veterans' funding may be less relevant, but the broader issue of the influence of outside groups on politics is still an important one. The fact that VoteVets has spent millions on Turek's campaign and is aligned with Schumer raises questions about the role of money in politics and the potential for outside groups to influence election outcomes.