War, health care weigh heavily in fiercely contested state

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - (KRT) - The small memorial to the fallen soldier rests in the snow by the mailbox along Town Hall Road, a personal tribute from his grief-stricken parents.

"Our Son, Our Hero," it says.

Down the lane, a few fading yellow ribbons still mark the way to the front door of the family's comfortable brick home.

"He was a soldier from the get-go," said his mother, Renee Cornell. "He knew this was important. And he was ready to go."

Staff Sgt. Todd Cornell went - and died in Iraq last November. The date: 11-9, noted his father, Robert, an ironic link to the 9-11 attacks that drew America deep into a worldwide war against terrorism.

It has been six months since George W. Bush, the commander in chief in this war, rolled down Main Street in his armored campaign bus, waving through the front window. Now, as he prepares to take the oath a second time Thursday, there's a palpable angst about the war along the route he traveled last summer in one of the most fiercely fought states.

His last race is behind him, but Iraq is not. More than 150,000 U.S. troops remain there. And they weigh heavily on the minds of folks in these parts. They talk about it, fret and wonder: Will this ever end?

MORE: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/nation/10661546.htm?1c

[bluestateguy]

1. Wisconsin rejected Bush, again

Wisconsin can proudly say that they never voted for Baby Bush or his father for president. That is an honor that few states can claim.

[Moderator]

2. Reason for move

This is not latest breaking news. This is a feature article.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

3. Thanks

Sorry for the mis-post.
:toast: