In his latest ad in the CD-17 race, U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Waco, attacks what he alleges is his Republican opponent’s plan to privatize veterans’ health care. Featuring the testimonial of concerned veterans, it refers to Bill Flores’ proposal to allow veterans to use their government benefits to seek health care in the private sector.

Here’s the full transcript:

Voiceover: America has always taken care of our own but Bill Flores would dishonor our veterans by privatizing veterans’ health care

Leonard Monelongo, Jr: I think the VA system will be devastated.

Bill Mahon: It’s the veterans that are going to suffer.

Kathryn Henson: Private hospitals are not geared to deal with the rehabilation of a combat veteran.

Bill Mahon: Mr. Flores’ thought process is flawed. Rodger Sturdevant: I just don’t think Bill Flores is in touch with the people

Chet Edwards: “I’m Chet Edwards, and I approve this message, because there is so much at stake.”

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Morgan Smith was a reporter at the Tribune from 2009 to 2018, covering politics, public education and inequality. In 2013, she received a National Education Writers Association award for “Death of...