Reservist Called Up, Ends Congress Run
Congressional candidate Greg Philips will get a chance to serve his country, but it won't be in Washington. The suburban Philadelphia Democrat ended his long-shot bid to unseat Republican Rep. Curt Weldon on Tuesday after his Naval Reserve unit was called up for duty in Kuwait.
A lieutenant in the Navy's Civil Engineers Corps, Philips is scheduled to report for duty on July 26, then spend at least a year in the Iraq (news - web sites) theater working with a logistics battalion that specializes in unloading military cargo ships.
Defense Department regulations generally prohibit members of the armed forces from running for office while on active duty. The Pentagon (news - web sites) can waive the restriction, but Philips said he is ready to "put the politics behind me."
"That was a campaign, this is a real-world military operation, and my focus now is giving it all my effort," Philips said.
Philips was not expected to pose a serious threat to Weldon, a nine-term incumbent. His campaign fund had a balance of $3,059 at the end of June and his candidacy had attracted little notice from Democratic party leaders or the media.
On the campaign trail, Philips had been sharply critical of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. His Web site deplored "the continued loss of American lives in Iraq while the President's friends make large profits." He also charged that the armed forces are underpaid, overstretched and often poorly equipped.
On Tuesday, Philips said he was no longer at liberty to criticize the government or his commander in chief.
"Military folks don't make policy, and we don't talk about it either," he said.
When he ships out, the 42-year-old lawyer and architect from King of Prussia will leave behind three children and a pregnant wife, who is due to give birth in January.
Weldon issued a statement wishing his opponent a safe and speedy return and praising his decision to serve.