Republican senators in U.S. lug weight of war toward '08

[babylonsister]

Republican senators in U.S. lug weight of war toward '08
By Jeff Zeleny
Published: March 26, 2007


NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire: Senator John Sununu knows that his political future could hinge on the war in Iraq, try as he might to change the subject.

For weeks, Sununu and Republican colleagues who face re-election next year have trudged through an on-again, off-again Iraq debate in Congress. So the annual Lincoln Day Dinner that he attended here Saturday evening, with its friendly audience, might have been expected to offer a respite from the realities of Washington.

But even among the ladies and gentlemen of the Carroll County Republican Committee, more than a few of whom wore elephant neckties and broaches to celebrate the symbol of their party, the vexing issue of Iraq was the real elephant in the room.

"Nobody is happy with the way the war is going," said Richard Hickey, a certified public accountant and loyal Republican who attended the event. "It was a Republican project, so my guess is that he's in trouble. Sununu has been such a big supporter of George W. Bush, the Democrats will take a good shot at him."

On Monday, the Senate resumes its protracted struggle to forge an Iraq strategy. Sununu and a handful of Republicans — including those facing re-election next year and those who have expressed unhappiness with President George W. Bush's conduct of the war but are uncomfortable with the idea of setting a date for withdrawal — find themselves searching for balance as they juggle three tasks: responding to the frustrations of their constituents, resisting the demands of antiwar Democrats and not entirely abandoning the White House.

"The issue is difficult for everybody," Sununu said in an interview. "My goal is to do what I can to help get the policy right."

While the House passed legislation on Friday setting a date of Sept. 1, 2008, for most American combat troops to be withdrawn from Iraq, the Senate is considering a plan to set a goal — but no requirement — of calling troops home five months sooner, by March 31. Senate Republican leaders say they will try to remove that provision during debate this week on a $122 billion war spending bill.

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[Webster Green]

1. But they will continue with the idiotic chimp worship to their demise..

Good! We'll get the Presidency and increase our numbers in the House and senate.

[babylonsister]

2. Actually, I think they are "this close" to cutting and running. Gonzales

is a prime reason. I haven't heard to many politicians who think he's in the right, especially after the Friday night news dump. Except the blivet.

[Eric J in MN]

3. NH is the only northeastern state to go for Bush in 2000.

Getting Sununu out won't be easy.

[babylonsister]

4. That's not what I've heard. He's very threatened; NH is very anti-war,

and anti-Bush.

[greenman3610]

5. yes, I remember, because Nader got 12000 votes there.

turned the whole election. Thanks NH!