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Vilsack Camp Raps Edwards on Iraq

February 15, 2007 8:59 AM

ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: In a sign of just how fierce the competition is among Democrats to prove how committed they are to ending U.S. fighting in Iraq, the presidential campaign of former Gov. Tom Vilsack, D-Iowa, rebuked former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., Wednesday for not wanting to end funding for all U.S. combat in Iraq.

During a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Edwards proposed capping the amount of money for U.S. troops in Iraq to pressure the Bush administration not to go forward with its plans to send more than 20,000 additional U.S. troops. He stopped short, however, of calling on Congress to stop funding for all U.S. fighting in Iraq -- as Vilsack has done -- saying to do so would further destabilize the war-torn country.

"The problem with an immediate and total defunding and immediate and total withdrawal," said Edwards, "is it creates a greater possibility of destabilization."

After Edwards confirmed that he disagrees with Vilsack's position, a spokesman for the former Iowa governor put out a statement rebuking his Democratic rival.

"Capping troop levels in Iraq is nothing more than staying the course with a Bush-led military strategy that has failed our troops and failed our country," said Vilsack spokesman Josh Earnest.

As Vilsack seeks to position himself as the presidential candidate offering the sharpest break from current U.S. policies in Iraq, he has launched a redesigned web site which is emblazoned with the words: "It is our responsibility to end the war now."

Vilsack plans to hold a 9:30 pm ET conference call with reporters after taping an appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

February 15, 2007 | Permalink | User Comments (0)

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