Veteran supports Obama campaign

Joel Heller, of Duluth said he’s knocked on 5,000 doors in the Twin Ports canvassing for the Obama campaign.

“I’m a disabled veteran,” said Heller, 34. “I was doing a patrol in Baghdad and I hit an IED, so that’s why I’ve got all this spare time.”

For Heller, veterans’ issues hold special significance. He said it was meaningful that Biden’s son, Beau, has served overseas. Heller also said he’s appreciative of the Obama administration’s efforts to support veterans in the past four years.

“The biggest key is that the Iraq war is done … Afghanistan is winding down and Obama has promised he will take care of the vets when they get home,” Heller said. “That’s how you take care of us vets. It’s not taking care of them for the last two days (of service). It’s taking care of them two years from now, four years from now. … It’s what you do in the future.”

Heller attended former President Bill Clinton’s rally in Duluth on Oct. 30. Both events show the importance of Minnesota and Wisconsin in the coming election, Heller said, and he was particularly happy for Superior to have the opportunity to host the vice president.

“I can’t remember the last time a sitting president or vice president came over to Superior,” Heller said. “I’m so excited.

“Superior, all my life, is like the redheaded step-child — they’re there but they don’t get anybody. But now, they’re the queen of the prom. This is Superior’s moment.”