Veterans continue to voice their concerns about Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack's policies. They're worried if she's re-elected the veteran clinic in Palm Desert will be shut down leaving them with no local health care.  

 

"She hasn't done a darn thing for the veterans," said Veteran Bob Assunto. "She says she is but she isn't. She's voted down every bill that there is."  

 

"What's going to happen when I can't drive anymore?" Basically we need to expand that office and now they're thinking about closing it down," said Veteran Michael Neto.

 

"We need her to step up to the plate and vote better for veterans," said Tom Swann President of Veterans for Peace. 

 

They're also upset. Saying Congresswoman Bono Mack isn't doing enough to represent them in Congress.

 

"I'm terrified because Mary Bono Mack is voting for the Ryan Budget, which, whatever your politics, it will likely close down the Palm Desert Veterans Center," said Veteran Activist Paula Caplan.

 

At the Republican headquarters in Rancho Mirage her staff says the Congresswoman has been instrumental in establishing veterans clinics here in the desert, and even voted to extend funding for the clinics and the overall VA budget.

 

"Congresswoman Bono Mack fought to get the clinic there in the first place," said Jim Specht, spokesman for Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. "She has done everything she can to support veterans in this district, understands that they're a very significant part of our population here."

 

The veterans at the protest say they are not endorsing either candidate.

 

--Adrianna Weingold

aweingold@kmir6.com