Defense, jobs key to capturing veterans’ vote

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DAYTON —Future cuts to national defense, finding jobs after their deployment ends, and getting their health care taken care of are the issues most on the minds of veterans as the presidential election nears, interviews conducted by the Dayton Daily News show

The 867,000 veterans in Ohio are a key and influential demographic in the contest for the White House, political observers said.

“In a race that’s going to be as close as this race is, every demographic has a special impact,” said Paul R. Leonard, a Wright State university adjunct professor in political science, former lieutenant governor and past mayor of Dayton. “None should be ignored by the presidential candidates because that demographic could make the difference for the candidates.”

Read more at daytondailynews.com.