Iraq

So much for our promise to liberate Iraq, not to occupy it, and not to cart off its riches.

Thursday was the fifth anniversary of the day President Bush gave a speech declaring “Mission Accomplished” – that all major combat operations in Iraq were over. It made for a good opportunity for Democratic candidates to speak out against the war.

Adam Cote, a Democratic candidate in the First Congressional District visited the Westbrook Armory and outlined a plan to help meet veterans’ needs. Cote was shipped out from the Westbrook Armory in 2004 when he was deployed to Iraq.

The Maine Democratic Party’s coordinated campaign also responded to the anniversary, along with U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, who is challenging Collins and Congressional candidate Chellie Pingree.

Also this week, proposals by two members of Maine’s Congressional delegation regarding the military were approved.

U.S. Sen. Susan Collins touted a decision by the Senate Armed Services Committee, who approved her proposal to make Iraqis assume costs for reconstruction and other projects Wednesday night.

Also, U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud helped author two veterans’ health care bills that passed this week.

With the U.S. death toll in Iraq reaching 4,000 today, Democratic First Congressional District candidates Adam Cote and Ethan Strimling released statements on the war.

Congressional candidate Mark Lawrence and Senatorial candidate Tom Allen have issued statements regarding the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War.

Allen, a Portland Democrat and current U.S. Representative, is calling for safe, responsible troop withdrawal.  read more »