Story highlights Ben Carson wants to close Department of Veterans Affairs

Martin O'Malley wants to fully fund and double national service programs

Washington (CNN) Former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democratic presidential candidate, attacked Ben Carson's desire to eliminate the Department of Veterans Affairs Tuesday, the day after the retired neurosurgeon was named the Republican race's new front-runner.

"Apparently @RealBenCarson didn't talk to vets for his vets plan. We should fight for vets, not cut care," O'Malley tweeted

Apparently @RealBenCarson didn't talk to vets for his vets plan. We should fight for vets, not cut care: http://t.co/kEHccrfqNm — Martin O'Malley (@MartinOMalley) September 1, 2015

Carson wants veterans to have a health savings account that will allow them to pay for private-sector medical care, he said last week according to the Military Times . Carson also said defense-run veterans' clinics should be for highly specialized care.

"There is a lot of stuff we're doing that doesn't make any sense," Carson said. "We don't need a Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs should be folded in under the Department of Defense."

A new Iowa poll issued Monday showed Carson tied with national GOP front-runner Donald Trump in the caucus state.

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