where they stand

Wed., Oct. 13, 2004

The Spokesman-Review

Where the candidates stand on the war in Iraq
President George Bush, Republican	Sen. John Kerry, Democrat	Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho	Scott McClure, Democratic write-in for Senate	Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter, R-Idaho	Naomi Preston, Democrat for House
Developed the pre-emptive strike doctrine to use U.S. force to attack foreign threats abroad, defends decision to invade Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein as a declared enemy of America and supporter of terrorism. Says 50 million people in Afghanistan and Iraq “have been liberated from despotic, totalitarian regimes.” Working toward elections in Iraq in January 2005, keeping troops in the country until it is stable.	Persuade NATO to deploy forces in Iraq, convene a summit with major powers and Arab and Muslim nations to protect U.N. mission on elections and provide financial aid. Encourage other countries to develop Iraqi oil resources. Increase training of Iraqi police and military, send recruits to NATO countries for training. Help with process to share power among Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds.	The decision to force a regime change in Iraq was necessary for our national security, and Americans are safer today because of it. It is critical that we assist the new government to restore civil order and rebuild infrastruct- ure; this will help the Iraqi economy rebuild. As Iraq becomes more secure, the personal safety of Americans will increase, as well.	I questioned the initial justifications for war. But now that we are there, we must do what is necessary to win. That includes providing the men and women who are fighting for us the best equipment and protective gear available. Next, we must allow the Iraqi people maximum input as to the structure of their government, with only the broadest guidelines regarding democratic principles.	Ousting Saddam Hussein advanced the global war on terror. Allowing him to flout international law emboldened terrorists. Establishing a free, stable and democratic Iraq will be a body blow to their cause. My prayers are with our brave troops in harm’s way, but we must be steadfast in preparing the Iraqi people to regain control of their own country.	I believe President Bush misled the country and rushed to go to war with Iraq. However, I believe we must fully support our troops to ensure success, and rapidly increase the training of the Iraqi military and police.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.