The Express - "Today, The Express Presents Responses from the 12 Candidates Seeking the Fifth Congressional District Seat on the Issue of the War In Iraq"

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The Express - "Today, The Express Presents Responses from the 12 Candidates Seeking the Fifth Congressional District Seat on the Issue of the War In Iraq"

Today, The Express presents responses from the 12 candidates seeking the Fifth Congressional District seat on the issue of the war in Iraq. We asked:

"Do you support the War in Iraq as it is presently being conducted? When and how can the war be ended honorably?"
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BILL CAHIR (DEMOCRAT)

As the only veteran in the election and the only person in this race who has served in Iraq, I look forward to working with our next president on a phased redeployment of our troops from Iraq. We must bring an end to the war in a sensible and responsible way — and that will not happen overnight. But we must not maintain a permanent presence in Iraq, or in any Muslim country, under intelligence we know to be false. That would be counterproductive.
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CHRIS EXARCHOS (REPUBLICAN)

Rightly or wrongly we invaded Iraq, toppled their government and disbanded their security forces. We now have a moral responsibility to leave behind a workable and secure government with institutions that can protect the health and safety of its citizens. Once that goal is achieved, we should leave.
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JOHN KRUPA (REPUBLICAN)

We need to support our troops and the efforts they are directed to undertake. The war in Iraq, if not handled in the most appropriate manner, could leave us with a country with the same potential as Afghanistan when the Soviets left after their war and the Taliban rose to power. We must now leave Iraq with a stable government with the ability to maintain civil order and the ability to protect itself from unwanted foreign influence. This is a decision that can be based on conditions met (political, economic and security) and the Commanders in field confirming that the conditions are met and stability assured.
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MARK MCCRACKEN (DEMOCRAT)

No. I feel our next president's first task will be to repair our foreign policy. This goes beyond just solving the Iraq war and bringing our troops home. We need to bring our long time allies back to the table and ask them for assistance to form a multinational plan to stabilize Iraq and the entire Middle East. It is my hope that the majority, if not all, of our troops will be home within six months after our new commander in chief takes office in January of 2009.

Next, we must remember that we have a responsibility to provide all the services the soldiers returning from Iraq will need. They may need job training, employment assistance and medical care that must include treatment for mental stress issues to get their lives back in order.

As for an honorable end, I think our country and our troops have already performed honorably. The American public has paid over $700 billion to support this war and our troops have shown their bravery and commitment to stay in Iraq as long the president's policy calls for them to stay. It is time to bring this to an end and I hope our next president will set a policy to do so.
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LOU RADKOWSKI (REPUBLICAN)

The downfall of Saddam Hussein is a partial victory; a complete victory will entail an ongoing U.S. presence in the Middle East to protect American interests. U.S. Military bases throughout the world are a vital component of America's national security. While I believe that the American footprint in the Middle East can eventually be smaller; a hasty reduction of our forces at this time would be counterproductive and lead to further regional destabilization.

Our military leadership needs the best tools and technology to secure Iraq and Afghanistan. Middle Eastern experts are needed within the military to ensure that our troops build productive, long-lasting relationships with local leaders. As our troops secure towns, the region will stabilize and prosper encouraging economic development.

America made a commitment to Iraq to shape their nation, and we need cultural experts to build productive, long-lasting relationships with local leaders.

The Iraqi people are responsible for taking the reins from our military forces and leadership. Free elections and a stable democracy will put Iraq in the right direction. This will only happen if we lay the foundation for a strong Iraqi nation and people.
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KEITH RICHARDSON (REPUBLICAN)

The way to win the war honorably is to win it. Tactical decisions on the conduct of a war should be left to tactical commanders on the ground who know the situation best and know what is necessary to achieve victory, not to politicians in Washington who puff and posture for their own political purposes.

We will achieve victory when the Iraqi government is able to govern its people and when the Iraqi army is capable of defending its people. Things are moving in that direction. This is no time to tuck tail and run. It is a time for courage. With our recent successes, I don't understand the call of liberals like Nancy Pelosi who want us to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory.
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MATT SHANER (REPUBLICAN)

The United States should support our troops and a winning strategy in Iraq. Many mistakes were made during Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld's tenure. Most notably having too few troops during the initial occupation. Under Secretary of Defense Gates and General Petreus we have formulated a strategy that is succeeding in Iraq. This strategy of "clearing and holding" cities that were overrun with insurgents has given the Iraqi government the opportunity to work towards resolving the political issues dividing Iraq. A political solution is the only way to create a stable Iraq that can defend itself without succumbing to terrorists, ethnic divisions, or its neighbors like Iran.

Recently the violence has spiked again as violent anti-American militias loyal to Iran have clashed with Iraqi government and American forces. These people are intent on establishing a theocracy modeled after Iran with Muqtada al-Sadr at the head. The danger if we leave Iraq is not only that al Qaeda will us Iraq as a staging ground to attack America, but the country and region will disintegrate into a war where millions of people are killed and displaced. If religious radicals take over all or part of Iraq, we may have to go back in again and finish the job.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton believe we should retreat regardless of the circumstances on the ground in Iraq. This would hand the terrorists a great victory and leave America in a weakened and dangerous position. We must give the surge more time to work.
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JEFF STROEHMANN (REPUBLICAN)

Though the war for many years did not achieve desired results, it is clear that President Bush's ‘Surge' strategy is working and should be continued. The Democrats who call for immediate withdrawal or timetables are only benefiting our enemies.

I support the surge strategy because it is our best method to achieving the ultimate goal of victory.

We must continue to support our brave men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our soldiers are the best in the world and have proven that in the harsh environment there. As we progress towards success we must be willing to meet the challenges ahead. Our honor will come by not abandoning the Iraqi people in their time of need. A political solution needs to be achieved and we must work with the Iraqi government to ensure the stability and future success of their country.
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JOHN STROUP (REPUBLICAN)

Meeting the needs of our military as they face the fight against terrorism across the globe is a responsibility that Congress should never shy away from. As our military has implemented its new strategy in Iraq and continues to work hard on rooting out terrorism in Afghanistan, Congress should focus on meeting their needs and not needlessly arguing over proposals that would prevent our generals from doing the job Congress sent them to do in the first place. Any date certain for withdraw would not meet that test.

We need to remember that Iraq is about terrorism, sacrifices our armed forces have made there fighting the terrorists have has kept the focus and resources of the terrorists off our shores and away from American civilians. Whatever decision we make in Iraq must protect American lives; and when we do leave Iraq, we must have a planned response to any future terrorist action - something no presidential candidate is currently willing to address.
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GLENN THOMPSON (REPUBLICAN)

Withdraw of United States military forces is a decision that can only be accurately made by the commanders on the ground. I support our troops and the successes they are advancing in Iraq. As the father of a Purple Heart wounded warrior soldier, I am all too familiar that success in these times can come at a high sacrifice. I am confident that our armed services have found successful strategies with the implementation of the surge of troops. Following this change, the citizens of Iraq returned to the streets, children have returned to schools and the local businesses are now open.

Most importantly, the local citizens have stepped forward as part of the security forces and local citizens groups to take the lead on the war on terror in their country. These are the key indicators best monitored by commanders on the ground as a basis for U.S. military withdraw. I support that we are currently in a transitional phase of the war with the Iraqi citizens demonstrating ever increasing responsibility for the safety and security of their country. This process will assure that Iraq is a stabile democracy in the Middle East. Then the men and women of our armed services will come home.
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RICK VILELLO (DEMOCRAT)

I do not support the war in Iraq as it is currently being executed. I believe we've won the war in Iraq and we are losing the occupation. I've signed on and sponsored a "Responsible Plan" to exit Iraq and it can be viewed on-line at http://www.responsibleplan.com.'>www.responsibleplan.com. I believe it is time for a diplomatic surge. I believe it is time for the Iraqi government to take control of its country.
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DEREK WALKER (REPUBLICAN)

I support the leadership and guidance that General Petraeus and our military leaders have provided. There is no doubt in my mind that the surge in Iraq is working.

In order to have future stability in the Middle East, the United States must maintain a presence in Iraq. Pulling our troops out of Iraq before the country is fully stabilized would likely empower radical Islamic terrorist organizations. The United States must concentrate on building a strong central government geared at strengthening the Iraqi economy and maintaining peace between the Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds.

I believe that the war in Iraq has become too politicized. Regardless of whether one believes that was decision to go into Iraq was good or not, the United States must listen to our military leaders on the ground and always remain committed to supporting our troops.

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