Posted on 12/08/2005 12:32:48 AM PST by ncountylee
WASHINGTON –– Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri, a leading figure on U.S. defense policy, Wednesday rejected calls by some Democratic Party leaders for a quick withdrawal from Iraq.
The United States has no choice but to succeed in Iraq, said the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, which will require a “more responsible” plan than a pullout based on any kind of time frame, which he called “counterproductive.”
“If we should pull out prematurely or allow there to be an unsuccessful conclusion, Iraq could become a snake pit for terrorists,” Skelton told reporters. “Further than that, it would also lead to the possibility of nearby countries being made unstable …You do not even wish to consider not having success in Iraq.”
Skelton has recently returned from Iraq, where he and two other congressmen were in a military vehicle that overturned. He showed no ill effects other than being “really, really sore,” an aide said.
His split with some party leaders highlights the Democrats’ divisions and muddled message amid declining public support for the war and as the 2006 midterm elections approach.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
The critics said that comment could reinforce popular perceptions that the party is weak on military matters and divert attention from the president's growing political problems on the war and other issues. "Dean's take on Iraq makes even less sense than the scream in Iowa: Both are uninformed and unhelpful," said Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Ga.), recalling Dean's famous election-night roar after stumbling in Iowa during his 2004 presidential bid.
....and yet another of the precincts is heard from, a Dem'crat that desperately wants to hold onto the notion that the Dem'crats are a viable national party.
Many other Dem'crats are obviously confused by the fact that this wide region known as "fly-over country" still has representation at the national level. They had wrongly supposed that there only existed cattle and corn fields down there.
It's like Zell Miller said, this isn't the same democratic party that he was a part of. Zell knew this was coming!
Hard to believe, I didn't think any democrats had any brains.
Ike Skelton is ok for a Democrat. Has been in the House since 1977. Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. Would trade my Dim Rep (Cleaver) for Skelton if I can't have a Republican Rep. I live in Missouri's Fifth District which means KC and Jackson County. Won't be getting a Republican anytime soon.
Skelton on the issues:
http://www.issues2000.org/House/Ike_Skelton.htm
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