Critical Reasoning

Anyone concerned about the strength of our nation's defenses should look at the records of our state's two candidates for the U.S. Senate. Ed Harmon voted against funding for the Z-19 bomber, rejected the President's defense spending plan last year, and voted to close three U.S. Army bases in our state. Tom Caldwell voted in opposition to Ed Harmon on all three of these issues, and is thus the stronger candidate on defense.

All of the following, if true, would weaken the conclusion above, EXCEPT:

A. Ed Harmon voted for a different defense spending plan that called for a higher rate of spending on defense.
B. The Army bases Ed Harmon voted to close were considered unnecessary by top Army officials.
C. Ed Harmon has experience in dealing with national defense issues and is a proponent of assuring the U.S. maintains a strong defense even in peacetime.
D. Ed Harmon is a twice-decorated U.S. Navy veteran who fought for the United States in two wars.
E. The Z-19 bomber has been superseded by a cheaper and more efficient aircraft.