ODP Media Release

Oklahoma Republicans Ignore Consequences of Escalation of Iraq War

Voting Against Bipartisan Resolutions

Recently, Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, along with Representatives Mary Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole made it clear that they support more of the same failed policies in Iraq by voting against resolutions expressing disapproval with President Bush's plan to escalate the war. While a bipartisan majority in the House and Senate, including Democratic Congressman Dan Boren, supported the resolutions, the Oklahoma Republicans joined a small group who voted in favor of the President's misguided plan to escalate the war in Iraq. Over 70 percent of Americans disagree with the president's plan to add an additional 21,500 troops to police a civil war in Iraq. Despite this, Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe, along with Representatives Marry Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole voted to protect the President instead of standing with Americans who disapprove of the President's plan.

By voting against the resolutions these Oklahoma Republicans have opted to ignore the lessons of history, the advice of military experts and the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. Additionally, a recent report shows that troops are facing equipment shortages with a lack of armored vehicles, weapons and other equipment. These shortages continue to hamper efforts in Iraq and will likely be made worse by the President's troop surge plan.

"This past week, our representatives in Congress had an opportunity to represent the interests of Oklahoma by voting with the American people and against the President's troop surge plan," said State Party Chairman Lisa Pryor. "Instead, they chose to back President Bush, placing political party allegiance over the will of the people and the safety of our troops.

"Our troops continue to be stretched thin and are still lacking much needed equipment. Oklahomans and our brave men and women deserve a new strategy, and a new direction not more obstruction by Republicans like Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe and Representatives Mary Fallin, Frank Lucas, John Sullivan and Tom Cole who are clinging to a failed stay the course strategy. The President's plan to continue to escalate the war in Iraq and bogging down our troops in the middle of a civil war is unacceptable. Our delegation of Oklahomans should join Congressman Boren and other Democrats in calling for a forward looking plan which calls for a political solution and gets our brave men and women out of the crossfire of an Iraqi civil war."

Oklahoma City, OK- Feb. 20, 2007

Oklahoma Democratic Party

Jason McCarty, Communications Director

jasonmccarty@okdemocrats.org

405.427.3366