This will be the fourth time Republican Jim Noland challenges Rep. Ike Skelton for his job representing Missouri's 4th Congressional District.
In 2000, Skelton beat Noland 67%-31%.
In 2002, Skelton whipped Noland 68%-31%.
In 2004, Skelton trounced Noland 66%-32%.
"He's getting closer each time," said G.O.P. spokesman Paul Sloca, with a chuckle.
Well . . . not really.
Even so, Noland isn't shy about challenging Skelton on the issue of Iraq and when to bring U.S. troops home.
On the campaign trail in Lebanon Monday, Skelton repeated his call to bring some U.S. troops home by the end of the year, beginning what he characterized as a "phased, gradual redeployment."
"In December we will have been in Iraq longer than we were in the second World War. A redeployment should begin this calendar year. How many, how fast? That's a military decision," Skelton told me.
Jim Noland said setting any type of public timetable for withdrawal from the region would be foolish. "I don't think it is to our advantage to ever tell our enemies when we're going to stop."
Noland added, "The news I have either comes from the media or Rush Limbaugh and Rush doesn't think we should be out, and I'm with Rush."
Skelton's plan would redeploy America's estimated 138,000 troops to Kuwait, Germany and back to the United States. "It's time for us to have redeployment begin. I'm not saying pull out completely or immediately. But so many Democrats and Republicans are saying to me, 'Ike, let's leave Iraq,'" Skelton said.
"It's a major concern of mine that the sectarian violence is taking over, where the insurgents are leaving off," Skelton added.
Noland believes the United States gains no advantage by setting a definitive date. He said he'll support leaving Iraq when President Bush and those "in authority" feel they have accomplished the goal.
"I wouldn't want to bring home one person that they thought was necessary to stay there," Noland said.
Neither one is particularly intriguing, but for more on either candidate, click below to go to their campaign website.
Jim Noland
Ike Skelton
1 comment:
A better story than the re-rematch is the new kid in the race, Progressive Party contender Melinda "Mel" Ivey. Neither Noland nor any other Republican challenger in the last 30 years have been successful against Skelton because they have attacked Skelton from the right. Skelton is the most conservative Democrat in the state's delegation, and his right flank is well covered.
Ms. Ivey is mounting a challenge from the left, a challenge Skelton has never faced. She advocates an immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, and she is expected to hold Ike's feet to the fire for his job-exporting votes for international trade agreements like NAFTA and most recently CAFTA.
This could be interesting.
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