Green: Don't quit now; we're winning in Iraq

GREEN BAY – U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-Green Bay) criticized new legislation by U.S. Senator Russ Feingold Thursday that would establish a deadline for withdrawing American troops from Iraq. Green, who has visited Iraq twice since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, issued the following statement in response to Feingold’s plan.

“As signs of progress continue to spring forth from Iraq, the terrorists and insurgents grow more and more desperate in their attempts to derail Iraq’s steady march toward democracy. They know that with every school built, every soldier trained, and every vote cast in the new Iraqi parliament, their campaign of fear and destruction grows weaker and weaker.

“There are certainly challenges that remain, and we all mourn each and every American who gives their life to protect our freedom. But, Senator Feingold’s legislation allows the insurgents to think that they are succeeding. It tells the insurgents that they need only continue their attacks and hold out a little longer and our forces leave. Plain and simple, setting such a deadline fuels their efforts, and undermines all the excellent work of our servicemen and women up to this point.

He mentioned his two quick trips to Iraq, but neglected again to mention his military service -- five days in the Navy.

Green's situation is much like Bush's. He is too stuck in the quagmire to extricate himself, despite the fact that the public has had enough. Just 38 percent of Americans in an Associated Press-Ipsos poll last week approved of Bush's handling of the war, the lowest point yet in that survey. More than half of those interviewed in a USA Today-CNN-Gallup poll said they now believe that it was a mistake to send U.S. troops into Iraq and that the war has made the United States less safe from terrorism; 56 percent supported withdrawing some or all troops now.

That could spell disaster for Green's candidacy for governor. He needs to stay the course to keep his base in the primary, presumably, but when it comes to the general electorate, he is marching to a different drummer -- the wrong one. And, yes, Bush foreign policy could be an issue in the governor's race.

Feingold is the first to propose a specific date for withdrawal, but Republicans are joining the chorus of criticism of US involvement in Iraq. Eye on Wisconsin wonders whether we should expect a Green press release blasting Sen. Chuck Hagel or Rep. Walter Jones, two Rs who are vocal on the issue.

UPDATE: Green gets it wrong again.