Candidate Troy Goodale, who is running in Tennessee's 2nd district for U.S. House of Representatives, says Knoxville needs a VA hospital. He's right. Goodale also asks "Why can't our 24-year incumbent Congressman use his seniority in the House of Representatives and bring necessary public services back home to this district?" Good question. More in the Goodale campaign statement after the jump...

Challenger Calls for VA Hospital in Knoxville

U.S. House Candidate Goodale Insists on More Support
For East Tennessee’s Military Veterans

Knoxville, TN – The Democratic Party Nominee for Tennessee's 2nd Congressional District, Dr. Troy Goodale, is calling for a genuine commitment to our military veterans by securing a Veterans' Hospital for the Knoxville vicinity.

"Our nation has been involved in two armed conflicts in recent years and more and more men and women are returning from military service," Goodale explained. "There is a real need for a Veterans' Hospital in this area, and Knoxville would be a central and convenient location."

Dr. Goodale notes that there are VA Hospitals in Murfreesboro, Johnson City, and in Asheville, North Carolina. Many veterans in the 2nd Congressional District must endure a long, arduous trip for necessary medical treatment.

"My father is a retired veteran in poor health, and I have a close friend who suffers from a disability sustained in the Gulf War," Goodale said. "They should not have to be driven all the way to Johnson City for their hospital care."

"I notice that a freshman representative in a neighboring congressional district is actively pursuing a Veterans' Hospital for his constituents," Goodale continued. "Why can't our 24-year incumbent Congressman use his seniority in the House of Representatives and bring necessary public services back home to this district?"

Troy Goodale cites a lack of effective leadership by the career politician in office as a huge part of the problem that this area of East Tennessee faces today.

"Our member of Congress is a nice man, but that doesn't cut it with the way the legislature on Capitol Hill operates," Goodale stated. "There are 435 members of Congress competing for Federal dollars, so we need a new representative who will not settle for less than what the veterans in the 2nd District deserve."