WASHINGTON, "The mess in Washington shows us exactly why we need more veterans in office. The Obama administration's willingness to disregard current OMB guidelines concerning maintaining military pay during a government shutdown clearly demonstrates its utter and complete disrespect for the men and women who are risking their lives to protect this country. The same holds true for those members of Congress who are using our military as bargaining chips in budget negotiations. Particularly when those same politicians will not see their own paychecks interrupted," said William Russell, chairman of the Veterans Victory Fund.