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GOP attacks Tim Walz, who served 24 years in National Guard, over military record

NPR | By Tamara Keith,

Quil Lawrence, Ron Elving

Published August 13, 2024 at 9:12 AM EDT

Then-U.S. Rep. Timothy Walz (right) talks with a group of Soldiers during a tour at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Jan. 11, 2008. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

In 2018, Tim Walz said he carried weaponry "in war" when pushing for gun control, despite never serving in combat. He also said he chose to retire from the military after 24 years, shortly before his unit deployed to Iraq, in order to focus on his run for Congress.

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Tamara Keith

Tamara Keith is a Senior Political Correspondent for NPR and co-hosts the NPR Politics Podcast.

See stories by Tamara Keith

Quil Lawrence

Quil Lawrence is a New York-based correspondent for NPR News, covering national security and veterans' issues nationwide.

See stories by Quil Lawrence

Ron Elving

Ron Elving is Senior Editor and Correspondent on the Washington Desk for NPR News, where he is frequently heard as a news analyst and writes regularly for NPR.org.

See stories by Ron Elving

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