Bob Roggio On Iraq Anniversary

Bob Roggio, the Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District (Jim Gerlach's seat) issued this today on the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.  This is encouraging since Lois Murphy refused to take a position on this war.  Of course that's one reason she kept losing to Gerlach.

Roggio on 5^th Anniversary of War in Iraq

MALVERN, PA – Bob Roggio (D), who will face Jim Gerlach in the highly contested 6^th district in November, released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq.

“Today, we are reminded of the price America has paid for an endless war,” said Roggio.  “Over the past 5 years, the war in Iraq has cost us nearly 4,000 American lives, and billions of dollars.  Jim Gerlach continues to rubberstamp the Bush administration’s failed policies and refuses to show leadership on an issue that plagues our country.”

Gerlach has refused to hold the Bush administration accountable for the war.  He opposed plans that called for attainable and responsible goals in Iraq, thus virtually writing the Bush administration a blank check. 

“I believe that we need to hold our leaders accountable to the American people,” said Roggio.  “This disastrous war has cost us far too much, and I will fight to bring our troops home safely and with honor.”

According to the National Priorities Project, the war in Iraq has so far cost the taxpayers in the 6^th district, $1.4 billion, which could otherwise be invested in providing the following:

 

• 350,253 People with      Health Care OR
• 1,705,546 Homes with      Renewable Electricity OR
• 14,414 Affordable      Housing Units OR
• 22,479 Elementary School      Teachers OR
• 222,283 Head Start      Places for Children

“We need to reassess our national spending and focus on the needs of Americans,” said Roggio.  “We need leaders who will prioritize investments in people, and infrastructure.  After 5 years, thousands of lives, and billions of dollars, America is ready for change.”