According to Sam Stein of the Huffington Post, Democratic-leaning veterans groups are organizing a grassroots effort, including an online petition drive, to promote Iraq veteran, former congressional candidate, and current head of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth for Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the new Obama Administration. Influential groups such as VoteVets.org, which has campaigned on behalf of numerous veterans running for office and candidates strong on veterans issues, are leading the charge for a Duckworth appointment. According to VoteVets.org head Jon Soltz:

"You think about probably the best head of the VA we've ever had, and that was Max Cleland, who came home wounded from Vietnam, and was deeply involved in the veterans system in Georgia, then brought that experience to Washington," said Soltz. "Tammy is similar to Max in many respects, and I think what she brings to the table is too valuable to leave out in Illinois."

Duckworth, who has Thai heritage, would be the third AAPI appointed to a cabinet position, after former Sec. of Commerce and Transportation Norman Mineta and Bush Sec. of Labor Elaine Chao. Her name has also been floated for appointment to Sen. Obama's seat.

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