House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi warned that a Republican victory Tuesday would prolong the U.S. involvement in Iraq another 10 years, as she embarked on a final push in a campaign that could make her speaker.
In an interview from her Capitol office, Pelosi characterized Tuesday's vote as a referendum on the war, shrugged off President Bush's efforts to make her liberalism a national issue, described the current GOP leadership as a "freak show," and expressed confidence about her party's prospects to pick up the 15 seats it needs for a majority.
"I know where the numbers are in these races, and I know that they are there for the 15; today (it's) 22 to 26," Pelosi said Friday.
Pelosi cautioned that the number of Democratic House victories could be higher or lower and said her greatest concern is over the integrity of the count -- from the reliability of electronic voting machines to her worries that Republicans will try to manipulate the outcome.
"That is the only variable in this," Pelosi said. "Will we have an honest count?''...read on
The governor who beat out Republican Jerry Kilgore in Pennsylvania this past
November has been selected to give the Democrats response to this year's State
of the Union Address:
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 /U.S. Newswire/ -- House Democratic Leader Nancy
Pelosi, Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, and Democratic Governors
Association Chair New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced today that
Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia will deliver the Democratic Response to
President Bush's State of the Union Address on January 31st.
In his response, Governor Kaine will discuss the Democratic vision that
focuses on the priorities of all Americans. Governor Kaine will deliver the
response from the Governor's mansion in Richmond, Virginia.
"We are proud to announce that Governor Kaine will deliver our Democratic
response this year," said Leader Pelosi and Leader Reid. "Throughout his
career in public service, Governor Kaine has been a champion for working
families, putting their priorities above the needs of the special interests.
The success of his positive message in Virginia is indicative of the
resonance of Democratic values with the American people. His vision of
increased economic opportunity, affordable education, and fiscal
responsibility will help Virginia prosper for years to come and sets a
leadership example for the rest of the country."
