President nominates Sowers, a Rolla Democrat who ran for Congress, to veterans post
Tommy Sowers, a Democrat from Rolla, Mo., who lost a bid for Congress in 2010, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to the new Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The White House put out the announcement late Wednesday afternoon. Sowers sent out an electronic statement soon after.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be asked to serve again, in such a meaningful way,” said Sowers, a military veteran. “This chance to serve the VA is more than an opportunity - it's personal. Last year, with the help of the VA and the New GI Bill, I completed my Ph.D.
“Last month, during my physical exam at a VA facility, my physician told me why she left private practice to join the VA. She said, ‘We have the best patients in the world. Serving you all is a personal privilege.’ I couldn't agree more. In this position, I'll have an opportunity to ensure that more veterans know of and benefit from the VA's diverse services.”
Sowers must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate, which he noted is “brand new territory for me.”
Sowers challenged U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson, R-Cape Girardeau, in 2010. He lost soundly, but he also impressed Democratic activists with his campaign and money-raising skills.
