Five members of Sen. Sinema’s advisory board resign
“You have become one of the principal obstacles to progress, answering to big donors rather than your own people,” the veterans wrote. “We shouldn’t have to buy representation from you, and your failure to stand by your people and see their urgent needs is alarming.”
“We do not know who has your ear, but it clearly isn’t us or your constituents,” they added.
Their letter will be featured in a new ad from the progressive veterans group Common Defense, which will air on TV in Phoenix and Tucson.
Members of Sinema’s veterans advisory council are voluntary positions and not paid members of her staff.
The group of five military veterans wrote they felt “as though we are merely given performative titles and used as window dressing for your own image—not as resources to provide counsel on what’s best for veterans.”
“We no longer feel you are aligned with our values, and we cannot in good faith continue to serve on your council,” they said.
Sinema told CNN in a statement that she would “always remain grateful for these individuals’ service to our nation,” and had valued their input to her work.
“While it is unfortunate that apparent disagreement on separate policy issues has led to this decision,” she said. “I thank them for their service and will continue working every day to deliver for Arizona’s veterans who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and secure.”
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.
