Idaho GOP supports Bush

Some Idaho Republicans in Congress will back President Bush’s new Iraq strategy – at least for now – as a chance for turning around the current course of the war.

“I’m going to give this president my support in the short term,” Sen. Larry Craig, the senior member of the Idaho delegation said just minutes after Bush finished his speech. “I think the president clearly recognizes the concerns the American people have.”

Newly elected Rep. Bill Sali likened the increase in troops to “an injection of heavy antibiotics to kick a serious illness,” and believes it’s a decision based on sound advice.

“America keeps its promises and completes its missions,” Sali said.

But Craig’s Senate seatmate Mike Crapo said he wants to review all the elements of the Bush proposal before supporting it.

In a written statement, Crapo said he has concerns about increasing troop levels and doesn’t want the U.S. military “to be simply standing between warring factions in Iraq.” He wants to hear from experts who will be appearing before Congress in the coming days.

“It is important that our military role in Iraq be reduced as soon as feasibly possible,” Crapo said. “However, our own national security requires that this be done in a way that best assures stability in Iraq.”

An unstable Iraq increases the threat to the United States and the Middle East, he added.

Washington Democrats were less enthusiastic about the president’s plan, and even some Republicans were cautious about their support until they’ve heard more details.

“The American people spoke pretty loudly in November that they wanted a change in direction in Iraq,” Sen. Patty Murray said. She doesn’t see the president’s plan to increase troops as a change in direction.

Bush may be caught between Democrats and some Republicans who are opposed to sending more troops, and other Republicans who think the troops he will dedicate to this “surge” are not enough, she said.

Craig said he doesn’t know if the troop increases proposed by the president are the correct ones at this point. “I’m not going to sit here and second-guess the commander-in-chief,” he said.

Murray, who was named Wednesday to the Senate Defense Appropriations subcommittee, said she expects a series of hearings on Iraq, starting today with an appearance by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. A resolution of nonsupport may be put to a vote in the coming weeks.

If a resolution of opposition passes, she’s not sure what the president will do. But if he sends more troops to Iraq, she doubts that Congress will cut off funding for them.

“We don’t want to make troops on the ground unsafe,” she said.

Rep. Cathy McMorris, who represents Eastern Washington’s 5th District, said she sees Bush’s shift as a recognition that the current strategy isn’t working.

“I think we need to take a close look at it,” McMorris said of the Bush proposal. “I’m not ready yet to say yea or nay.”

For her, the key to support will be a clear sign that Iraqis are “stepping up” to take control of their country and Americans are backing them up.

“I think the American people have been waiting to hear how we’re going to be successful in Iraq,” she said. “It’s only getting worse and worse. It’s almost like we’re at the do-or-die point.”