Ohio's War Supporters: Pledging GOP $$$ Revolt

CINCINNATI (TDB) -- The public opinion shift that shows support for the War in Iraq fading is creating serious splits in the Republican Party. Now conservatives who back President George W. Bush's plan to add 21,500 troops are circulating an Internet petition that vows retaliation against GOP senators who question the White House. So far, more than 100 Ohioans have signed the document, and they are from all corners of the state. The number has been growing by the hour.

Meanwhile, Ohio's GOP Sen. George Voinovich appears to be keeping people in the dark. His Web site is silent about the plan to add troops. Others are brimming with statements.

The conservative revolt is aimed at GOP senators who break with Bush to support a non-binding resolution opposing the commitment of additional troops. Organizers contend the resolution would offer aid and comfort to Iraqi insurgents.

"Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution," the petition says. Sen. John Ensign is from Nevada and is straightforward about his position: He supports the president's escalation/surge.

Voinovich isn't on the ballot in 2008. However, he hasn't communicated directly with his constituents about the president's plan to add more troops. In fact, there isn't any fresh news on his Senate portal about anything important since last year.

Voinovich owes it to all Ohioans -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- to say clearly, directly and publicly where he stands. Right now, it looks like he is dodging the biggest issue of the day.

Ohio's John Boehner: Dancing The Iraq Sidestep?

HAMILTON, Ohio (TDB) -- House Minority Leader John Boehner, a Republican from Butler County, told his constituents today that he believes President George Bush's strategy to add 21,500 troops in Iraq can succeed.

Here are the OH-08 lawmaker's exact words in response to a question from an anonymous resident of his SW Ohio district:

Q. Where do you stand on the President’s proposed ‘surge’ in Iraq?

A. I believe the President’s new strategy can succeed, but I believe Republicans and Democrats must work together to make sure that happens. The President’s strategy includes military, political, and social dimensions, and I hope his plan gets a fair and thorough hearing in Congress. Success in Iraq is essential to our immediate and long-term national security interests. I commend the President for recognizing recent strategies have not succeeded, and that a new strategy is necessary to stabilize the Iraqi democracy, to deny terrorists a safe haven, and to ensure stability in the region. "

That's pretty close to what Boehner said after Bush announced his plan on national TV. Those post-speech comments are HERE.

But later today, Boehner's office issued a lengthier STATEMENT calling for creating of a special Congressional panel to monitor the President's plan and ensure its success. Sure looks like he's scambling. Inquiring minds might want to ask Boehner: Why was there no need for a Select Committee three months ago when Republicans ran the House? Was the situation in Iraq a waltz then? Or is the GOP's House maestro striking up a new tune -- the bob, weave and sidestep?