Veterans ask GOP candidate Whitman to explain her poor voting record, say it rings of apathy

Veterans criticize Whitman for poor voting record

LOS ANGELES — A small group of union-backed veterans is asking GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman to explain why she failed to vote for most of her adult life.

A half dozen veterans delivered a letter to Whitman’s East Los Angeles campaign office Tuesday. The letter says they fought to protect Americans’ right to vote, and asks for an explanation of her spotty voting record.

Service Employees International Union, the largest labor group in state government, helped organize the event. It supports Whitman’s Democratic opponent Jerry Brown.

Roberto De La Cruz, who served in the Navy during Vietnam, says many veterans are offended by Whitman’s apathy toward voting.

Whitman has apologized for not voting “as often as I should.”

Luis Alvarado, a senior adviser to Whitman’s campaign, says he respects the veterans’ position and will deliver the letter to the candidate.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A small group of veterans is asking Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman to explain why she failed to vote for most of her adult life.

A half-dozen veterans delivered a letter to Whitman’s East Los Angeles campaign office Tuesday. The letter says they fought to protect the right of Americans to vote and asks for an explanation of her spotty record at the polls.

Roberto De La Cruz, who served in the Navy during Vietnam, says many veterans feel offended by Whitman’s apathy toward voting and question her character.

Whitman has apologized for not voting “as often as I should.”

Luis Alvarado, a senior adviser to the Whitman campaign, said he respected the veterans’ position and would deliver the letter to the candidate.