Last week Sweeney joined with his Republican House colleagues in support of President Bush's "Stay the Course" strategy in Iraq.

With Congress debating how to proceed in Iraq this week, Democratic candidate for Congress Kirsten Gillibrand today challenged Rep. John Sweeney to debate their competing visions on the war.

Below is the full text of Gillibrand's invitation to Sweeney:

June 22, 2006

Dear Mr. Sweeney:

Last week you joined with your Republican House colleagues in support of President Bush's "Stay the Course" strategy in Iraq.  Unfortunately for the residents of this region that is the wrong course for our nation and Iraq.

Even more disappointing in that the resolution you supported is a political document full of rhetoric and designed as an election year ploy.  It is not what this region and this country deserves:  An immediate plan for success that unites our country and fighting men and women behind one goal.

The resolution you supported was designed to drive a partisan wedge between Americans.  As a nation, we are strongest when we pull together as we did immediately after 9/11.  Sadly, your lack of leadership has left the country deeply divided when it does not need to be.  The immediate need is to unite Americans behind a plan for success.

I believe strongly that we need a new direction that recognizes the failures of George Bush's policy and sets out a real success for victory, and I have posted my ideas on how to change course in Iraq on my website, www.gillibrand2006.com. It is unfortunate that you and the Republican Congress failed to provide any meaningful oversight over the Administration's conduct of the war.

Let's have a real debate on the subject as soon as possible, where we each put our views on the subject before the voters.  You can explain why you support George Bush's "Stay the Course" strategy and I will set forth my ideas for real change.

Given that you have previously called me just "a pretty face" I can't imagine you will be afraid of a substantive debate with me on one of the most pressing issues of the day.

I look forward to hearing your response and joining you soon for a debate of our nation's Iraq policy.

Kirsten Gillibrand