Posted by David Lightman at 10:36 am CDT
Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4th District, left Thursday night for his 13th trip to Iraq since the war began in March, 2003.
Shays, one of the nation's most vulnerable Republicans, is chairman of the House national security subcommittee, and believes that on-the-ground assessments are his best way of judging the
war's progress. He's travelling this time with three other Republicans, including House Intelligence Committee Chairman Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., and Democrat Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota.
The trips have the potential to be a political liability for Shays. He's been a consistent support of the war, but faces opposition from Democrat Diane G. Farrell, who's waging a spirited race in his southwestern Connecticut district--and criticizing Shays for spending so much time in Iraq.
His latest trip is expected to include meetings with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, General George W. Casey jr., the top American military commander in Iraq, and regional government officials. He also plans to visit Kuwait, Jordan and Sarajevo, and return July 17.
(David Lightman is Washington Bureau Chief for the Hartford Courant, a sister paper to the Chicago Tribune.)
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Comments
Rep. Shays is looking for a silver lining 3 years after our mission was accomplished. If he doesn't get it by now, one more trip isn't going to clue him in.
Posted by: Jorge from Bloomington | July 14, 2006 11:43 AM
It’s great to see our leaders set an example.
I worked for “The most admired company in the world” who sat in the top 5 of Fortunes 500. I received a memo titled “Travel limitations” on a regular basis in an attempt to keep costs down. Recently I accepted a position at another top company and have found a similar memo in my office.
In the real world we limit our business travel to what is absolutely necessary. It’s nice to see the same fiscal responsibility in our congressmen.
Posted by: JWV | July 14, 2006 12:52 PM
13 trips ?? I could have saved us money.
The war is still going on with no end in sight.
13 is the unlucky number !! When are any of our supposed leaders going to try and save a little fuel ?? I try and limit my driving while government people travel everywhere !!
Sheesh !!
Posted by: Chuck Wiliams | July 15, 2006 6:48 AM
I have an idea! How about we set a budget and stick to it!
Posted by: lochnessmonster | July 15, 2006 8:05 AM
Republicans and Democrats have gone to Iraq but not one has left the Green Zone so none know whats going on incountry.Spin comes from both sides only way to get the truth is talk to the wounded. If you talk to them you will hear the truth.
Posted by: Dale Peters | July 15, 2006 4:20 PM
Good point, Dale Peters. If they leave the Green Zone, they run the risk of being kidnapped or being bombed. This itself tells the truth. There is no need to fly to Iraq and waste the taxpayers' money.
Posted by: bayi | July 17, 2006 4:02 AM