The war in Iraq has been increasingly unpopular with the public, but we rarely hear about it being unpopular with the military. Military personnel generally have stayed out of politics. But yesterday The Center for Responsive Politics issued a report outlining a shift in which presidential candidates the military supports and how that might affect the election. CRP points out that members of the military historically have strongly favored Republicans, with 75% of their contributions. The number has fallen to 59% since 2004. Does this change indicate eroding support for the war in Iraq?
With $27,000 to date, Sen. Barack Obama (D., Ill.) leads all candidates, Democrats and Republicans, in donations from the military. CRP interviewed Lt. Col. Joyce Griggs, who said of Obama: "I feel that he's the most progressive candidate and he stands for change. I believe he is that breath of fresh air that we need to get this country back on course."
Some are surprised that Rep. Ron Paul of Texas leads the GOP in donations from the active military. Paul remains the only GOP candidate against the war in Iraq. He holds a slim lead over Arizona Sen. John McCain, the candidate most associated with the recent "surge." Paul has raised $19, 250 to McCain's $18,600.
CRP suggests that these donations may be a way for members of the military to express their frustration with administration policies, while continuing to perform admirably in the field. Ronald Krebs, an authority on the sociology of war and the military, told CRP:
"My guess is if you asked most of these folks, they'd continue to identify as Republican. But the fact there's been longstanding tension between this administration and the uniformed services and the fact that nearly all Republican candidates have not distanced themselves from the war has obviously affected their standing with those in the military."