GUTKNECHT PROPOSAL FOR IRAQ PUTS TROOPS IN JEOPARDY

07/20/2006

(MANKATO) – Returning from Iraq, Congressman Gil Gutknecht did an about face and promptly called for a partial removal of US troops from the region.  Gutknecht’s opponent, retired Command Sgt. Major Tim Walz said while he is pleased that Gutknecht is finally willing to discuss the issue, he is alarmed that Gutknecht’s ill-conceived plan will put the American troops left behind in even greater danger than they are today.

Walz, a retired National Guard Command Sgt. Major and 24-year veteran of the Army Naitonal Guard believes Gutknecht is simply reacting to political pressure and polling data.

“As someone with extensive training in combat techniques, I know that unless we’ve reduced the insurgent violence, removing part but not all of our soldiers is a foolish tactical option.  By redeploying only some of our troops, Congressman Gutknecht leaves those still in Iraq more vulnerable to continuing attacks,” said Walz.

“For the last 18 months I’ve been talking about my two-fold plan for Iraq.  Historical evidence from Bosnia shows that if we rebuild the infrastructure of civil society, violence rates will drop.  It’s important that we get sewage, drinkable water and electricity all back to pre-war levels.  Second, we need to ask the Jordanians, Kuwatis, Egyptians and other Arab peoples to be involved in a regional security force.  A plan that includes measurable milestones and increased involvement from the Arab world will ensure that we are able to bring American troops home as quickly as possible without further jeopardizing their safety,” said Walz.

Gutknecht has a history of jeopardizing the health and safety of American troops.  Gutknecht has repeatedly opposed expanding TRICARE to Guard and Reserve soldiers, providing temporary exemption to the bankruptcy bill for soldiers recently back from Iraq, adding additional funding to PTSD and prosthetic programs, and providing small bonuses for soldiers serving abroad.