Nathan Martin

Nathan Martin is an Iraq veteran who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004-2005. Martin, "fresh out of the military" and running "on a conservative 'support the troops' platform", ran unsuccessfully in 2006 in a six-man Republican race for Ohio's 4th Congressional District, the seat of retiring incumbent Rep. Mike Oxley.

Martin was named August 31, 2007, as Ohio State Chair "organizing veterans around Ohio" for the pro-war in Iraq Republican front group Vets for Freedom to "contact their Senators and Representatives and to share their support for the mission with their fellow citizens from around the state."

Pro-war candidate
In March 2006, the Washington Times reported that Martin, "a shoestring-budget political novice", "turned down a support-and-endorsement offer from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Political Action Committee, which would have included $2,100 in donations, a media buy and direct mailings on his behalf." Martin said "he turned down the offer because he 'could not sacrifice my principles for the money.' Martin said he 'supports the group's efforts to stand up for veterans, but disagrees with its position that the United States should begin withdrawing troops from the country.'"

Profiles
Martin attended college at Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. In March 2001, Martin joined the Tennessee Army National Guard. "He went on to get his M.A. in Teaching History, July 2004, while at Camp Shelby, MS training to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. He returned from Iraq in November and received his honorable discharge on December 3, 2005. While in Iraq, Nathan's unit oversaw the initial Iraqi elections, January 30th, 2005 and the Constitutional Referendum, October 15th, 2005. Nathan also took part in helping train two Iraqi Battalions."

"While deployed, Nathan began to see the situation at home seem to erode because of a lack of true representation in Washington, D.C. It was with much guidance, prayer, and support from his family and friends that Nathan decided that running for the 4th Congressional District seat would be best for the country and the citizens whom he wishes to represent. With dedication to God, Family, and Country, he is honored to be considered the people's candidate for Ohio's 4th Congressional District seat."

In September 2006, Martin not only became "national presidential coordinator" for "dark horse" John Cox, but also "[began] posting a little of life behind the scenes of a national campaign coordinator."

"Nathan's memberships and affiliations include the Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, The American Legion, the National Rifle Association, National Right to Life, Christian Coalition, Citizens for Community Values, Townhall.com, The Republican National Committee, and is also a member of the Society of the First Infantry Division."

Related SourceWatch articles

 * Operation Iraqi Freedom: Year Five

External resources

 * "National Taxpayer Protection Pledge Press Releases: Election 2006," Americans for Tax Reform; Nathan Martin signed pledge January 2, 2006.