Back in June there was a front-page discussion of Lincol Chafee and the Democratic challengers, Matt Brown and Sheldon Whitehouse. Yesterday Matt Brown issued a press release calling for W. to bring the troops home in 6 months. I got the press release as an email last night, and haven't found it on his
website or in the local paper,
Providence Journal but it did come out in mid-afternoon. He's having a conference call tomorrow and Rhode Island bloggers were asked to join.
From the press release:
"Let me be clear - withdrawing our troops will not mean abandoning Iraq. Our troops should continue training Iraqi security forces for the next six months and during the gradual withdrawal process. Following the withdrawal, United States military trainers and advisors should provide continued training and technical assistance to Iraqi security forces and the new Iraqi government, as we do in many nations around the world.
"Mr. President, in just the last week, different officials in your administration have suggested very different timelines for withdrawal. The President is the Commander-in-Chief. You need to set the timetable and plan. You owe it to the American people to get this job done and bring our men and women home to their families."
The release was prefaced with an invitation to join a conference call with Matt Brown today. I probably won't be able to (I have to go to work and get my Mom at the train station) but I will try to get more info. If other Rhode Islanders would like to join the conference call and weren't already contacted, the press contact is Matt Burgess 401-781-7900/813-230-6066.
I don't know if Matt Brown is the best candidate, and I don't want to discuss that right this minute when I have had no coffee, but I do know that Chafee needs to go. I also know that there are much savvier and more politically astute RIers on this site and I hope that someone will participate.
Coming from a state with the lowest approval rating for W's performance, it seems to me that there's a possibility for real momentum now, and that Brown's statement could be a part of that. I suppose that it might just be something more for right-wingers to attack, but I think Brown is doing the right thing.
I can't stick around right now, I have to get caffeinated and coherent so I can get to work etc. I apologize if this isn't substantive enough, but I did post as early as I could so prevent bumping better diaries...will update if I learn anything more.