Voinovich: gradual withdrawal is best

The views of Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, reflect growing concerns among Republicans about the Iraq War.

Republican Sen. George Voinovich has joined a growing number of Republicans countering the White House policy by calling for a transition to a diplomatic and humanitarian solution to the Iraq war.

Last week, however, Voinovich voted along party lines against a motion to invoke cloture that would end debate on a Democratic amendment to begin to reduce the presence of U.S. forces in Iraq.

In a press release after the vote, Voinovich said the political turmoil surrounding the war in Iraq has hindered substantial debate on solutions to stabilize Iraq.

"The Defense authorization bill and amendments to that bill pertaining to Iraq have unfortunately been politicized," he said.

Ohio State political science professor John Mueller said Voinovich is less likely to be concerned about immediate political ramifications of a controversial vote because he is not facing an election in 2008.

"He is expressing a genuine concern that is growing among Republicans," he said.

Mueller said Voinovich and Republican Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana have broken with Bush on Iraq and are spearheading policy change within the Republican party.

Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Randy Borntrager expressed disappointment in Voinovich's vote. He said Voinovich did not express his position during the debates and essentially voted with the Bush administration.

"Chicken George didn't cluck all night," he said. "He said only one word in the entire debate, and that was his vote to protect the President's agenda."

Borntrager said Voinovich's vote did not match his rhetoric on the war.

Voinovich outlined his plan to withdrawal troops from Iraq in a June 26 letter to President Bush. He said it is important to communicate that the U.S. will not stay in Iraq indefinitely.

"Our public image to the world has deteriorated drastically and continues to suffer," he said in the letter. "If we proceed on the current path, we will endanger our nation's long-term competitiveness and well-being."

Voinovich said rather than pursing an immediate withdrawal, it would be better to do so gradually and slowly switch to non-military solutions including international cooperation, and humanitarian and reconstruction aid. He warned against being forced into an immediate withdrawal because of internal pressure caused by political inaction.

"A policy of responsible military disengagement with a corresponding increase in non-military support is the best way to advance our nation's interests in Iraq," he said in the letter.

Voinovich said he is concerned the country is running out of time.

Borntrager said the Ohio Democratic Party supports a gradual phased withdrawal from Iraq, and a redirection of U.S. forces to focus on al-Qaida.

John McClelland, spokesman for the Ohio Republican Party, did not comment directly on Voinovich's position. He said open debate is essential to bring a conclusion to the war, but the turbulent nature of the discussion hinders the process.

"[Democratic leaders] are pandering to anti-war leftist wing of the party," he said. "They are using the war as a tool to win more elections."

McClelland said altough there might be different opinions on what should be done, it is important to allow the generals on the ground to make decisions regarding the direction of the war.

Benjamin Lammers can be reached at lammers.62@osu.edu.