Iraq

I support our troops, but not failed policy.  We must do whatever it takes to secure our nation and keep hostilities from our shores. But after nearly six years of sacrifice by our brave soldiers, one thing is clear: we cannot afford to continue our costly involvement in the religious civil war in Iraq.  Our troops have done their job in Iraq.  They have taken out Saddam, and Iraq has now held several free elections.  In fact, Iraq now has billions of our dollars in their treasury, as we fall deeper into debt.  It ‘s time to invest our hard-earned tax dollars right here at home, where they belong, not in the sands of Iraq.  After all, where do you want to build new schools, Baghdad or Green Bay?

I believe we all have the same goals: a safe and secure United States and peaceful co-existence among all nations in the Middle East.  We must come to understand what our military leaders already know: the problems that exist in Iraq, like those in Afghanistan and Pakistan, do not have military solutions.

Our brave soldiers continue to serve with courage, honor, and incredible skill, and I will always support our troops before, during, and after being in harm’s way.