“I believe those who have fought for our country and defended our freedoms should have freedom over their own health care.” -- Christine O'Donnell

From Eric Dondero:

Republicans are not only advocating Repeal and Replace for ObamaCare, but also making innovative suggestions regarding the Veterans Administration Health Care system.

Delaware candidate for Senate Christine O'Donnell in a campaign stop downstate with Vets on Wednesday released details of her new Voucher Plan for the VA.

From the O'Donnell Campaign:

O’Donnell’s plan would allow veterans to receive check-ups and basic medical care from local doctors who have been certified by the VA. It would decrease costs for veterans who currently have to travel sometimes long distances to a VA hospital for basic medical care, and improve efficiency by reducing the demand at VA hospitals.

The move is winning praise from Delaware Vets, but criticism from Democrats.

Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Steve Udovich called O’Donnell’s plan “right on target.” He explained how veterans groups in Sussex County often use fundraisers to offset the cost that veterans face for transportation to a VA hospital... but Delaware Democrats say that “There is absolutely no need for change in our current veteran’s health care system.”

Meanwhile, a Republican candidate for Congress in central Texas is taking it a step further, openly advocating partial privatization of the VA system.

From Fox News "Dems Attack GOP's Proposals for Private-Sector Health Care for Veterans" Oct. 8:

And while Democrats have been reluctant to campaign on their sweeping health care overhaul, which will eventually provide millions in government subsidies, they've been more eager to slam any Republican as heartless and irresponsible for proposing plans to "privatize" the veterans health system -- if not the Department of Veterans Affairs altogether.

The issue has emerged front-and-center in the 17th Congressional District race in Texas, where Rep. Chet Edwards, a Democrat, is battling Republican challenger Bill Flores.

Edwards is hammering Flores over a comment he made during a debate in January in which he said veterans would be "much better off" if they could see doctors in the private system and then have the government pay for it.

"Typically the care in the private sector is better than the government sector," Flores said. "So they need to go into the private system."

Flores stands by his proposal. His website explains that under his plan, veterans would have a choice. The campaign said the private option could be useful for veterans who don't live near a VA facility.

Flores comes from a Military family. He is a graduate of Texas A&M. He is a self-described "limited government conservative."

A recent poll has him ahead of 16-year incumbent Chet Edwards 55 to 34%.