When it comes to President Obama’s choice to lead the VA, Rep. Steve Daines (R-MT) has now offered his strong support, while Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) says Robert McDonald has “the attributes to lead the VA.”
In a letter to President Obama, Daines commended the President’s recognition of McDonald’s leadership experience in the private sector and military.
The full letter is below. Here’s an excerpt:
“Bob is a wise and no-nonsense leader who will bring critically-needed reforms and accountability to the VA. A decorated veteran himself, I wholeheartedly believe Bob is the right person for the vital task ahead,” Daines wrote. “As someone with considerable experience in the private sector, I share your confidence that Bob’s business background equips him with the mindset to identify challenges with honesty and pursue solutions with vigor and decisiveness.”
McDonald is, of course, the former CEO of Procter & Gamble. Before helping to create hundreds of jobs in Bozeman, Montana with RightNow Technologies, Daines worked for Procter & Gamble. While Montana Democrats have attempted to criticize P&G in order to help their 2014 US Senate candidate, the state’s Democratic US Senator had some good things to say about the president’s pick:
Even Sen. Jon Tester had good things to say about McDonald, as The Missoulian reported:
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont. and a senior member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, is meeting Thursday with VA secretary nominee Robert McDonald.
“I think he’s got the attributes to lead the VA,” Tester said. “I like his resume, but I do want to visit with him.”
Daines backs McDonald for VA Secretary. Tester: “I think he’s got the attributes to lead.” pic.twitter.com/O3TlMgEXet
— Aaron Flint (@aaronflint) July 22, 2014