With eight days before the election, Republican Matthew A. Doheny met Monday with veterans for lunch at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1400.

Before the meeting, he said one of the issues he’s focused on is lowering the backlog of patients with issues about health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. He said he would alleviate the issue by providing more outlets for veterans to bring their problems to his attention, such as expanded town halls.

Asked about the prospect of placing drones at nearby Fort Drum, Mr. Doheny said he would be an “advocate” for the project and others that could help increase the post’s economic impact. He also reiterated his opposition to cuts to the defense budget.

Rep. Mac Thornberry, R-Texas, vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was scheduled to appear but was not able to attend because of a postponed flight.

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