Iraq

A citizen question in a recent candidates' forum was simple enough: What benchmarks would you set before the U.S. can withdraw the bulk of its troops in Iraq?

Our military can, and will, do what is asked of them, but what else can we ask? Iraq has a constitution. They have a democratically-elected government and prime minister. They have a security force. They even have a budget surplus. While the peace may be fragile, it cannot be guaranteed with our permanent military presence nor should it be guaranteed with our presence.

Continued investment in regional diplomatic efforts is essential. By involving all nations of the region, we can secure better understanding and cooperation to worldwide efforts to clamp down on terrorism.

I support the safe and rapid withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. We have enough evidence to understand that the Bush Administration manufactured our entry into the war under false pretenses and planned poorly for the long-term commitment. Over the 7 years of war, we have lost more than 4,100 men and women. More than 30,000 have been injured and we have inadequate plans and facilities to help them when they come home. We need to change that.

I propose a rehab and convalescence center for our returning veterans, possibly at the former Ft. Ritchie. The vets will need it and I can think of no more welcoming place than central Maryland for them to recover from their injuries.

DOUGHERTY ENDORSES "A RESPONSIBLE WAY TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ"
PRESIDENT BUSH HAS A TIN EAR

More than a year ago, General Petraeus said, "There is no military solution to a problem like that in Iraq." Petraeus returned to Capitol Hill today to ask for patience and commitment to continue the deployment of troops in Iraq. "At this point, the Bush Administration is trying to run out the clock without being able to define or deliver victory," said Democratic Candidate for Maryland's 6th Congressional District Jennifer Dougherty.

More than 4,000 Americans have died in Iraq and nearly 30,000 have been injured. Since the surge more than 800 have been killed. Most Americans oppose continued military operations in Iraq and want to move forward with diplomatic and economic strategies in Iraq. In Dougherty's announcement, she stressed the need for diplomacy. "I endorse the plan proposed by retired military leaders and veterans, A RESPONSIBLE PLAN TO END THE WAR IN IRAQ. The plan echoes General Petraeus' admission that the solution is not more troops, but more talk. It also addresses the significant humanitarian concerns that exist as a result of the war. We have to elect people who are serious about ending this war."

The United States has spent $ 2 trillion on the Iraq War, but the debt is passed onto our children. We have handed them a mortgage payment before they can buy a home." Dougherty added, "We don't have to look very hard to find better places to spend that money. We need to focus on our priorities."