It's become a rarity anytime, let alone a week before Election Day: A campaign speech devoid of any mudslinging or negative references to a candidate's opponent. But that's exactly what Michael Coles, the Democratic challenger to Republican U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, delivered in Savannah on Monday. He had little choice because his Rotary Club audience had asked him to refrain beforehand. The Rotary Club is a public service organization that generally steers clear of overtly political or partisan speakers. In a campaign that has been marked by sharp exchanges from both camps, Coles was left to focus on his own background and reasons for running. The millionaire co-founder of the Great American Cookie Co. outlined a platform that includes overhauls to public education and health care, as well as restoration of benefits to military veterans. "I really do believe that Georgia needs a voice in Washington that will represent not only the businesses in Georgia, but also the families," Coles said. He took only one veiled shot at Coverdell, in response to an audience question about benefits for veterans. Without mentioning Coverdell by name, Coles faulted him for voting in favor of a transportation spending bill in July that ended up cutting $17 billion worth of veterans' benefits. Coverdell, criticized by Coles in the past because of the vote, has defended himself by saying he had to go along with it to secure transportation money for Georgia. "This country has turned its back on veterans," Coles said Monday. "There's an assault led by our government against veterans in our country." He said he'll push immediately to restore the benefits if he's elected. But Coverdell spokesman Dan McLagan, contacted by telephone, accused Coles of "blatant distortion" regarding Coverdell's record on veterans issues. McLagan said Coverdell already has supported four efforts to restore the $19 billion in benefits. "It is the height of hypocrisy for Michael Coles to fault the senator's record" on veterans issues, McLagan said. Coles "has never served a day in uniform," whereas Coverdell was in the military. As far as the issues of public education and health care -- two areas where the candidates also have clashed -- Coles maintained a statesmanlike demeanor in his Rotary Club speech. He called for an end to partisanship regarding public education, saying "there'll be no greater friend nor no greater advocate" for public schools than himself should he prevail Nov. 3. And he called for increased patient control over health care, reiterating his pledge to back a "patients' bill of rights" if elected. Under Coles' plan, patients would have the ability to choose doctors, and they'd be able to hold health maintenance organizations responsible in court for poor decisions regarding medical care and coverage. Chatham County government and political issues reporter Bob Sechler can be reached at 652-0363. |
