Congressional Candidate Calls For Ouster Of Veterans Affairs Secy

Democratic Congressional Candidate Ann Callis is breaking with prominent party leaders and calling for the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki.

Callis is a former Madison County judge seeking the 13th district seat. She says problems within the VA are systemic and the department need major changes.

"Starting at the top and more oversight," she explained. "All of Americans want to really honor our veterans so it's just getting in there and seeing what you can do to help and be a better provider of medical services and mental health services to veterans."

Callis said her work with veterans extends to her establishing Illinois' first Veterans Court. Her son is serving as an Army infantryman in Kuwait.

Callis hopes to unseat incumbent Republican Rodney Davis of Taylorville, who is urging President Obama to request the immediate resignation Secretary Shinseki.

While many Democrats are critical of the problems at Veterans Affairs, party leaders such as President Obama and Illinois Senator Dick Durbin have not called for Shinseki's resignation.