Posted on 06/24/2006 10:59:20 PM PDT by smoothsailing
Local Democrats rally around war critic Murtha
By George Bennett
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
Sunday, June 25, 2006
WEST PALM BEACH--
Americans don't support the war in Iraq and need a Democratic Congress to force President Bush to change his policy, a leading war critic told about 600 Palm Beach County Democrats at the local party's annual fund-raising dinner Saturday night.
"This is going to be our year.... We know America wants a change," said U.S. Rep. John Murtha, a Pennsylvania Democrat who wants the United States to begin pulling troops from Iraq immediately.
Murtha said the situation in Iraq is steadily deteriorating and "the truth is there's no plan for victory."
The congressman, who spoke for less than 20 minutes, urged the partisan crowd to help elect Democrats in November.
"We need your help. We need Democratic members of Congress. We need a Democratic majority," Murtha said.
"The Congress is an equal body, but we've been losing our power because the Congress won't stand up to this president."
Palm Beach County is home to two congressional races in which Republican incumbents are being challenged by Democrats.
Democratic state Sen. Ron Klein of Boca Raton, who is facing U.S. Rep. E. Clay Shaw, R-Fort Lauderdale, in a nationally watched race, followed Murtha at the podium at Saturday's dinner. Klein criticized Shaw as an unquestioning "cheerleader" for the Bush administration, which Klein said is waging "a war without a plan."
While critical of the war, the senator does not support setting specific dates for the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq.
Tim Mahoney, a Palm Beach Gardens Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fort Pierce, met with Murtha before the dinner. Mahoney has said America can "win the peace" in Iraq by firing Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and building an international coalition.
Both Democratic candidates for governor, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa and state Sen. Rod Smith of Alachua, attended Saturday night's event at the county convention center, although Davis arrived after Murtha's remarks.
Also attending were Democratic U.S. Reps. Robert Wexler of Delray Beach and Alcee Hastings of Miramar, along with a host of other Democratic officeholders.
Wexler, who introduced Murtha, said he expects 2006 to be a victorious year for Democrats. He said Murtha's antiwar stance would be a big factor.
"The tide turned when Jack Murtha stood up and told the nation that there was a better course in Iraq, a better way in Iraq," Wexler said.
Copyright © 2006, The Palm Beach Post. All rights reserved.
I know the plan and I bet you Diana knows the plan!
BINGO!
"We need your help. We need Democratic members of Congress. We need a Democratic majority," Murtha said.
Well, according to Murtha, HE told clinton to CUT and RUN from Mogadishu and the Toon was smart enough to listen to him. Unlike our stubborn cowboy President of today that pays him no mind. ;*)
Murtha said the situation in Iraq is steadily deteriorating and "the truth is there's no plan for victory."
Whereas the democrats have a "Plan for defeat"!
More like dry-rot. Especially in the cranial area.
How is Murtha polling in Pennsylvania? Has his approval rating moved either way?
LOL
ROTF!
It's all good as long as I keep away from the 'pull out' one liners ; )
Why not?
; )
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