Of course the two deserting Bush now are John Doolittle and Pete Domenici, two people facing tough re-elections as well as investigations into their own backgrounds.
While the media is talking about this recent rash of desertion by warhawk Republicans, the Democratic leadership is wondering if they will put up or shut-up. Nancy Pelosi had this to say:
Another senior Republican senator has broken with the failed Iraq policy of President Bush. Senator Domenici’s March 2008 timetable is consistent with the legislation Democrats have proposed as recently as June 29 to redeploy our troops and reflects the recommendations of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group. Yet President Bush and most of his party in the House and Senate remain firmly committed to a policy that has failed and a war without end.
Senator Warner’s benchmarks, Senator Lugar’s declaration, and the realization by Senators Domenici and Voinovich that a change is needed in Iraq demonstrate bipartisan support for an end to the war. Now the question is whether they will join in a bipartisan way in voting to change course in Iraq and to bring our troops home? For those in Congress who have yet to speak out, the question is: how long until you respect the wishes of the American people to end this war?
Aravosis also has the statement released by Harry Reid on the same subject.
So will we see more of these people desert Bush by September, and if they do will they finally stand up for change? The poll I have been running for the past month asks that very question, and it appears most people don’t believe the Republicans will change course. I am with those people, as the typical actions of a Republican is totally dictated by politics. Sadly this is the worst kind of politics – they will put their party above the security of our nation and the lives of our soldiers.