Wyoming Democrats condemn President Bush, urge Iraq withdrawal

By BEN NEARY
Associated Press Writer Sunday, May 21, 2006

Casper Star Tribune

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) -- The Wyoming Democratic Party on Saturday adopted a platform that urges a rapid withdrawal from Iraq and condemns President Bush and his administration for what it calls "disastrous planning and continuing falsehoods" that were used to justify the war.

Gov. Dave Freudenthal said Saturday he had not seen the platform and didn't endorse the Iraq language or the condemnation of Bush.

"I don't support that," Freudenthal said. "I am who I am and I don't support that."

The party platform adopted Saturday states, "We support a phased, rapid, responsible withdrawal from Iraq, starting at the earliest possible date. We condemn President Bush and his administration for its disastrous planning and intentional and continuing falsehoods that were used to justify this war of choice."

Tim Kingston, a Cheyenne lawyer, chaired the party platform meeting as he has the previous four. He said the resolution passed almost unanimously.

"We took a strong stand to say it was a war of choice that we engaged in and the bases that were used to go to war were untrue," Kingston said. "We had quite a debate."

Sen. Kathryn Sessions, D-Cheyenne, and Sen. Rae Lynn Job, D-Rock Springs, said some Democratic candidates expressed concern about how the Iraq language in the platform might affect their campaigns.

But Rep. Pete Jorgensen, D-Jackson, said there was a feeling that it would be cowardly not to include the language in the platform when so many Democrats believe it to be true.

Drake Hill, Wyoming Republican Party chairman, said Saturday the Democrats offered only criticism but no solutions.

"It's too bad that the national Democrats haven't offered a plan, or a constructive approach on the war in Iraq, but have chosen instead to stand on the sidelines and throw stones at the people who are trying to get something done," Hill said.