July 25
HUDSON - For the second time in weeks, Kirsten Gillibrand, the Democratic candidate in NY's 20th Congressional District, sent Congressman Sweeney a letter inviting him to meet and debate on the war in Iraq. Gillibrand never heard back from the first letter she sent Sweeney, but the campaign learned from reading the Times Union that Sweeney would not debate Gillibrand until it was clear there was just one Democratic candidate challenging him in the fall. As of last week, Gillibrand is the only Democratic candidate remaining in the race.
Kirsten's Policy Statement on Iraq can be seen here [1].
Copies of both letter of invitation follow.July 25, 2006Dear Mr. Sweeney:
I am writing to reiterate my call for a debate between us on the war in Iraq. I think it is important for the residents of the 20th District to have the opportunity to hear and compare our visions on how best to end the violence and establish a firm success strategy on the ground to allow for a redeployment of our troops. Clearly, this debate should also address our strategies to win the war on terror here at home and abroad.
After my first request, sent to you on June 22, 2006, your spokesperson said you would not schedule a debate with me because I was facing a primary challenge. Now that both of my primary opponents have dropped out and endorsed me, I am sure that you are now willing to debate.
I believe that the situation in Iraq is one of the most serious issues facing our country. I am sure we can agree about that. Where we disagree, however, is what constitutes a strategy for success in this conflict. It has been more than three years since President Bush declared "Mission Accomplished," and yet Iraq now stands on the brink of civil war and the administration has provided no clear plan forward for our troops. Recently, you joined with your house colleagues in support of President Bush's "Stay the Course" strategy. I believe that we need to change the course and formulate a real exit strategy that will create lasting peace in the region and undermine terrorism in the long term.
I would like to schedule this debate as soon your schedule permits. I look forward to hearing your response.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Kirsten Gillibrand
June 22, 2006Dear 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