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A recently introduced bill could have far-reaching impact on the U.S. sugar industry, including American Crystal Sugar, a farmer-owned cooperative that locked out 1,300 Midwest workers on Aug. 1.
The chairman for Herman Cain’s Iowa effort says the campaign “relied more on the word of farmers than Washington regulators” in deciding to run an ad containing claims the Environmental Protection Agency says are false.
The Iowa Senate will remain under the control of a slim 26-25 Democratic majority when it reconvenes in January 2012.
President Bush told the nation on Thursday night that he has accepted the recommendations of his top commander in Iraq, who said the troop surge is working, and is ordering gradual reductions in U.S. forces there.
Bush’s popularity as well as support for the War in Iraq have tumbled to historically low levels, but the president has remained steadfast in his insistence that the U.S. military remain in the region. He said that the so-called “surge” in troop numbers has helped stabilize the region and as success is realized, more members of the armed services will return home.
“The more successful we are, the more American troops can return home,” he said.
The issue has been on the minds of Iowans who are vetting presidential contenders in both parties. Support for the war among the candidates basically breaks down along party lines.
General David Petraeus recommended that about 2,200 Marines scheduled to leave Anbar Province later this month not be replaced. In addition, Petraeus said it will soon be possible to bring home an Army combat brigade, for a total force reduction of 5,700 troops by Christmas.
Bush said that four brigades – at least 21,500 troops – would return by July, along with an undetermined number of support forces. Now at its highest level of the war, the U.S. troop strength stands at 168,000.
Bush firmly rejected calls to end the war, saying “the success of a free Iraq is critical to the security of the United States.” He said a free Iraq “will deny al Qaida a safe haven” and will counter what he calls “the destructive ambitions of Iran.”
U.S. Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) both focused their campaigning in the state this week on the issue. Obama visited Clinton to unveil his plan to bring the troops home, while McCain launched a “No Surrender” tour in Sioux City, urging the president to stay the course.
Below are statements from presidential candidates following the speech:
THE REPUBLICANS:
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a Republican: “The current policy of providing security and stability has to be carried out. We can’t walk away and not honor those who are serving our country. If we leave now, it will show weakness, which would do irreparable damage to America ‘s reputation and ability to protect our national interests, as well as create chaos and massive suffering in the region.
“The war we are fighting in the Middle East is a theological war. It is not a traditional geo-political war; it is a war against against Islamic fanatics who want to destroy us. It is a test of will and purpose. “
“The question is, do we have the will to fight the enemy and take the fight to them or will they prevail? For the sake of future generations of Americans, this is a war we must win. We must give our commanders and troops what they need to succeed.”
Republican Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts: “President Bush understands that our most crucial objective in Iraq is to make sure it does not become a safe haven for al-Qaeda and Jihadist terrorists. But that’s just what would happen if Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards have their way. Our troop presence has emboldened Sunni leaders to resist al-Qaeda. This is progress – important progress.
“Today’s assassination of Sheik Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, who recently met with President Bush, underscores how serious Jihadists like al-Qaeda take this struggle, and we must do the same. Also of concern to all Americans is the growing evidence of Iran’s role as an active antagonist in Iraq. The United States must craft an assertive and comprehensive strategy to get Iran to back off.”
Dave Roederer, Iowa campaign chairman for McCain, spoke on behalf of the senator: “I can tell you what Senator McCain has said is that if, in fact, the president does announce a troop withdrawal it’s an indication of success as far as the surge goes. The number of the troops is a decision that should be made by the generals.”
Former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson, R-TN: “Tonight we expect President George W. Bush will tell the nation that success in Iraq is achievable and that, conditions on the ground permitting, up to 30,000 troops will be coming home by next summer. I am encouraged by reports by General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker that the security situation is improving and momentum is on our side.
“I believe that the troop withdrawal plan that General Petraeus has proposed is the right course. This recommendation is a result of the success being seen on the ground in Iraq.
“With the momentum of an effective military strategy now on our side, we must press forward, never wavering, and unite in our determination to defeat al Qaeda and other extremists who remain committed to forcing our surrender. This is central not only to success in Iraq, but also to our long-term plan to bring our troops home.
“A wholesale withdrawal of American troops from Iraq–as many Democrats propose — would embolden al Qaeda, strengthen Iran, betray our allies, and dishonor the memories of the men and women who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe.
“Gen. Petraeus’ report also leaves me even more concerned about Iran’s role in Iraq. Iran is headed down a dangerous path, and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad must understand that.
“Every day, our troops in Iraq demonstrate a heroic resolve to win. I wish Democrats in Washington would dedicate as much time and energy to winning as they do on how to surrender the fight. The average 20 year-old serving in Iraq apparently knows more about national security than many of the 20 year-political veterans serving in Congress.”
THE DEMOCRATS:
U.S. Sen. Joe Biden, D-DE.:
“Tonight, President Bush will give the American people a progress report on the war in Iraq.
“This war belongs to the President, not to his generals or his ambassadors.
“It is the President’s time – and his responsibility – to answer a question that the general carrying out his policies in Iraq could not answer: is pressing ahead with the war making America safer?
“Based on everything we heard this week from the President’s surrogates and everything I have seen and heard during my eight trips to Iraq, the answer is no.
“The President’s strategy in Iraq is not succeeding. It is not making America safer. Doing more of the same would be a disaster.
“The President’s strategy is to stand up Iraq security forces so that we can stand down.
“But four years and $20 billion later, the Iraqi army is still years away from being ready to take over. The Iraqi national police force is so corrupt and so sectarian that one of our most respected military leaders, General Jim Jones, recommended that it be disbanded.
“The President’s strategy is to build a united, democratic central government in Baghdad that secures the support of all Iraqis. The primary purpose of the President’s surge was to buy time for that central government to succeed.
“But eight months into the surge, there has been no political progress in Baghdad. The sectarian war continues unabated
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