N.M. delegation shares views on Bush’s Iraq plan

In case you missed the news, President Bush will address the nation at 7 p.m. mountain standard time today to announce a new strategy in Iraq that includes an increase of 20,000 troops.

The move has become a focus of the new, Democratic-controlled Congress, and most Democrats, including Sen. Jeff Bingaman and Rep. Tom Udall of New Mexico, are expected to oppose it. Bingaman says Bush has not made the case for more troops.

What do New Mexico’s Republican representatives and senator think of this? Sen. Pete Domenici, who has been briefed on the new strategy, said it’s much broader than a simple troop increase, and will more quickly push responsibility on Iraqis, but also said he hasn’t yet decided whether to support it.

“I am very interested in learning more about the new strategy being developed by the president,” Domenici said in a news release. “I will have to study it before deciding how I would vote on the future of our American commitment in Iraq. I will listen carefully to better understand the Iraqi commitment to its own stability and defense.”

U.S. Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., opposes Bush’s plan. She has been a vocal critic this week of a troop increase, saying instead that the United States should not focus on creating a Democracy in Iraq – because that is the responsibility of Iraqis – and should instead aim to eliminate al-Qaida cells there.

U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce has been silent. That’s not unusual, as he puts out far fewer news releases and public statements than New Mexico’s other representatives. But he has been one of Bush’s most ardent supporters. Expect him to support the president’s plan.

The reality is that Congress doesn’t likely have any power to stop Bush from sending more troops, but the debate brings attention to his dreary approval rating and puts a lot of pressure on him to act appropriately.