A group of Missouri Democratic House members who are also veterans held a conference call today to criticize Gov. Matt Blunt for “politicizing” the Missouri Veterans Commission.

The MVC’s executive director, Hal Dulle, was forced out by his board in an executive session attended by the governor’s chief of staff, Trish Vincent. The chairman of the board, Joe Frank, says that criticism of Dulle from the governor’s office was key in making the decision. Among the criticisms? That Dulle had mentioned Attorney General Jay Nixon in a positive light on the radio. The governor’s office denies the allegation.

Of the three Democratic House members on the call (John Burnett, Tom Schively and Charlie Norr), only Norr knew how to pronounce Dulle’s name. (It’s DOO-ley). The call was arranged by the Missouri Democratic Party.

Norr said he had just spoken with Dulle on some veterans issue a few days ago and had no idea that he was on his way out. He said he thought Dulle had a good relationship with the legislature.

“I think he’s being unfairly treated,” Norr said. “This is the wrong time and place to do something like this.”

Asked if a political party organizing a news conference to criticize the governor of the opposite party for politicizing the veterans commission was, well, political, Burnett said he was on the call because he wanted to stand up for veterans.

“Granted, there are political overtones to everything we do in Jefferson City,” Burnett said.