Submitted by Tom on Thu, 2010-06-24 08:25
Amost every politician saw President Obama making the right call on McChrystal, but Latham can't quite support it:
Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ames:
"General McChrystal has earned the gratitude of every American with his distinguished service. ... However, I respect President Obama's constitutional authority as our commander in chief to choose the men and women he thinks are best suited to carry out his strategy in Afghanistan. It is unfortunate that the replacement of General McChrystal comes at a time of critical importance in the counterinsurgency strategy he was carrying out under the president's orders."
Bill Maske, in contrast, was spot on:
Bill Maske, D-Truro, 4th District:
"General McChrystal's comments and behavior were insubordinate and undignified. If he had problems with the White House, he should have shown the class and courage to take these issues up directly with the president. President Obama's decision to fire General McChrystal is entirely justifiable and necessary. General Petraeus will provide a smooth and consistent transition in leadership."
Iowa delegation responds to McChrystal firing
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The Des Moines Register • June 24, 2010
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-New Hartford:
"What General McChrystal said was an affront to the commander in chief. It undermined the chain of command, as well as the rule of civilian control over the military. The president was justified in his decision to accept the general's resignation. ... As we ramp up our objectives to reverse the Taliban's momentum and dismantle al-Qaida with the increase in troops, General Petraeus' experience and expertise will be a tremendous benefit to those efforts."
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Cumming:
"General McChrystal's comments were inappropriate and I support the president's decision."
Rep. Bruce Braley, D-Waterloo:
"I respect and support President Obama's decision to relieve General McChrystal of his command. One of the founding principles of our democracy is the civilian role of commander in chief. General McChrystal clearly stepped out of line in his remarks about our civilian leadership, and it was entirely appropriate for him to be removed."
Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Mount Vernon:
"We have troops on the ground in Afghanistan and we must return our focus to their safety and our mission. ... I have met with General Petraeus when I was visiting Iraq and he was commander there. ... I am confident in his ability and ready to get back to our mission in the country from where terrorists launched the 9/11 attacks."
Rep. Leonard Boswell, D-Des Moines:
"I am pleased that President Obama moved swiftly in appointing General Petraeus to lead our troops in Afghanistan. As a soldier who has led troops into combat, I understand the importance of unity and trust in a military mission. Now it is time to move forward and focus on stabilizing Afghanistan, training their police and military forces, and bringing our men and women in uniform home safely."
Rep. Tom Latham, R-Ames:
"General McChrystal has earned the gratitude of every American with his distinguished service. ... However, I respect President Obama's constitutional authority as our commander in chief to choose the men and women he thinks are best suited to carry out his strategy in Afghanistan. It is unfortunate that the replacement of General McChrystal comes at a time of critical importance in the counterinsurgency strategy he was carrying out under the president's orders."
Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron:
"I regret that General McChrystal has been relieved of command. ... McChrystal is a war fighter, and his men respect him. His comments ... reveal that McChrystal's biggest leadership failing was allowing a culture of disrespect to grow around him. If there is anyone who can successfully take on this assignment, however, it is General Petraeus. ... Petraeus may be the only man who is better suited to carry out the ongoing mission than McChrystal. I hope that this change in leadership will ensure that the voices in the war effort are now singing from the same hymnal."
Challengers' statements
Roxanne Conlin, D-Des Moines, U.S. Senate:
"General McChrystal's comments indicate a lack of professionalism and discipline. President Obama was justified in removing him from command. General Petraeus is the right person to assume those duties. I hope we will be able to bring all our troops home from the Middle East, sooner rather than later."
Ben Lange, R-Independence, 1st District
"I believe Americans of all political stripes should be grateful for (McChrystal's) service and sacrifice for our beloved country. The circumstances surrounding his departure are unfortunate, but a president must have full confidence in those men and women charged with executing our nation's most critical national security missions. General Petraeus commands the respect of the president, the Congress and our soldiers, and he is an excellent choice to help bring this war to a responsible end."
Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, 3rd District:
"General McChrystal's comments ... while ill-advised and outside the proper chain of command, reflect frustration within our military command with the commitment of the Obama administration to winning the war in Afghanistan. The administration's foot-dragging on additional troops and bureaucratic meddling with the rules of engagement are severely hampering the ability of our troops to fight and win the war, not to mention exposing our military to unnecessary danger. Our troops deserve better."
Bill Maske, D-Truro, 4th District:
"General McChrystal's comments and behavior were insubordinate and undignified. If he had problems with the White House, he should have shown the class and courage to take these issues up directly with the president. President Obama's decision to fire General McChrystal is entirely justifiable and necessary. General Petraeus will provide a smooth and consistent transition in leadership."
Note: Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Ottumwa, the candidate in the 2nd District, and Matthew Campbell, D-Manning, the candidate in the 5th District, did not respond to a request for their statements.