Ads to criticize Bush on Iraq war

May 8, 2007

WASHINGTON -Two retired Army major generals with experience in Iraq will appear in television commercials critical of President Bush's handling of the war, with the spots targeted at key Republicans in the House and Senate.

Financed by VoteVets.org, the $500,000 in ads will feature retired Maj. Gen. John Batiste and Paul Eaton, both of whom have publicly criticized the Pentagon's civilian leadership in the past. Batiste commanded the First U.S. Infantry Division in Iraq. Eaton oversaw training of the Iraqi military from 2003 to 2004.

The commercials, beginning Wednesday, are timed to coincide with congressional debate over the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

The media markets chosen by VoteVets are designed to pressure Republican Sens. Susan Collins (news, bio, voting record) of Maine, John Sununu (news, bio, voting record) of New Hampshire, John Warner (news, bio, voting record) or Virginia and Norm Coleman (news, bio, voting record) of Minnesota, all of whom are up for re-election next year.

The ads also will run in the congressional districts of Republican Reps. Mary Bono (news, bio, voting record) of California, Phil English of Pennsylvania, Randy Kuhl (news, bio, voting record) and James Walsh (news, bio, voting record) of New York, Jo Ann Emerson (news, bio, voting record) of Missouri, Timothy Johnson (news, bio, voting record) of Illinois, Fred Upton (news, bio, voting record) of Michigan and Michael Castle (news, bio, voting record) of Delaware.

The ads represent the first time former military commanders in Iraq have appeared in commercials to criticize the conduct of the war.

MG Paul Eaton (ret) on Hardball