Iraq War

Republican opposition researchers just got another arrow in their quiver against Sen. Ben Cardin, who joined two dozen of his colleagues in voting against funding the Iraq war yesterday. It's not so much the vote but the contradictory video.

Edwards and others back a withdrawal planIn anticipation of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker’s testimony today before the U.S. Senate’s Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, Fourth District Democratic nominee Donna Edwards released her questions for America’s military and civilian commanders in Iraq.

Edwards is a founding member of the group backing "A Responsible Plan to End the War in Iraq,” a withdrawal proposal endorsed by 50 Democratic congressional candidates, including Sixth District nominee Jennifer Dougherty.

She asks, “When are you prepared to discuss and implement a multi-tiered approach to Iraq that includes economic, diplomatic, and political options to bring stability and sustainable progress to Iraq?”

Her subsequent questions reflect her belief that the “surge” in military personnel has failed in its political objectives and has had a detrimental effect on global deployment capabilities.

Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele appeared on National Public Radio last week to analyze the 2008 presidential race and the candidates’ positions on the war in Iraq and solving the economic crisis.

On the heels of Sen. John McCain’s economic address, Steele acknowledged that the American economy is currently in a "recession" while discussing the positive aspects Republican nominee’s plan. He also defended McCain for saying that the United States might be occupying Iraq for “100 years.”

“Let’s put this ‘100 year’ comment into context,” Steele said, “because the Dems love using that line as a throwaway. The reality of it is 60 years after World War II, we’re still there. 50 years after Korea we’re still there…. I think what John McCain is saying is to be realistic, particularly in this region of the world, given the hostile territory that it is.”