ON-AIR: U.S. Congressional candidates take different stances on Iraq

By Angelica Duria

As the U.S. Congressional midterm elections draw near, many are concerned for the war in Iraq and what the United States government will do. Those running for U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’ 15th congressional district do have plans in mind with removal of American troops.

Although both candidates support the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, imcumbent Republican candidate Timothy Johnson says we need to assure a stable government in Iraq first.

“I don’t think there can be a specific timetable. I think we have to assure that in an immediate cut and run that we’ve assured some reasonable semblance of a stable government. I think we’re well on our way. And the ability for Iraqis to defend themselves. Well I think we’re near that.”

Democratic candidate Dr. David Gill opposes holding out any longer.

“It’s chaos now and it’s going to continue to be whether we leave, whether we leave tomorrow or whether we leave 12-20 years from now. So to continue to subject our militarty to what’s going on there, when just the same outcome would occur if we were to stay another decade is foolishness.”

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The US death toll soared to over 100 last month, making October the deadliest month for the United States military since January 2005.