'Frustrated' Republicans looking for a way to make it look like Bush's occupation is ending

[bigtree]

GOP: Bush Should Adopt Bipartisan Plan


06.06.07, 8:22 AM ET

Alexander and Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., introduced legislation that would make most of the study group's 79 recommendations official U.S. policy. At least six other senators, including three Republicans, signed on as co-sponsors.

The proposal indicates mounting frustration in Congress with the politically unpopular war as lawmakers head into the 2008 elections.

The study group released its recommendations six months ago, only to receive a tepid response from the White House and Congress alike. Now, several new Republicans have stepped forward to endorse it, including two Bush loyalists close to GOP leadership, Sens. Robert Bennett of Utah and Judd Gregg of New Hampshire.

"The president needs bipartisan support if the United States is to sustain a long-term position in Iraq," said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

The message that must be sent to the president is, "Let's see if we can agree on an entire approach so you can have the kind of support you need," he said.

{snip}

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said she wanted to join the list of co-sponsors for the proposal, while Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, said she was open to the idea. Collins and Snowe have signed on to previous proposals in opposition to Bush's troop buildup in Iraq.

"It seems to me the surge (in forces) is not working as well as we hoped" and it would be "helpful to shine a spotlight" on a new approach, said Collins.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/06/06/ap3793223.html


This republican effort is a sham which won't get anywhere near enough support in their own party, much less attract any Democrats to their cynical politics. Republicans can either sign on to legislation mandating a time table for withdrawal or take full responsibility for continuing the slaughter.

[rfranklin]

1. There will be a "drawdown" with continued occupation...

This is the plan and has always been the plan. If the Dems get the White House, the President will be strongly advised that we cannot abandon the oil fields and strategic position we grabbed in Iraq and nothing will change.