Never Let the Facts Get in the Way

Never let facts get in the way of a good story.

Former Gov Bill Richardson (D-NM) (left) has a great story he tells on the stump as he campaigns for President. It's about how he attended the funeral of Marine Lance Corporal Aaron Austin (right) back in 2004. He tells crowds that after the funeral, LCpl Austin's mother came up to him, thanked him for the federal death benefits she recieved and showed him the check.

Just a few problems with that tale. From the Associated Press:

In speeches in New Hampshire, Richardson has gotten Austin's name wrong at least once and age wrong at least twice. He also has called Austin the first New Mexico soldier killed in Iraq - instead of the third.

But that's not what bothers the Marine's mother, De'on Miller, of Lovington, N.M., who says the conversation about money never took place.

Gov Richardson sticks to his story. He says the meeting inspired his plan making New Mexico the first state to underwrite $250,000 in life insurance for National Guard members. That amount is up to $400,000 now. (AP via Washington Times)