Bush rejects Iraq timetable, Republicans assail critics

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/09/AR2005120901134.html

Bush rejects Iraq timetable, Republicans assail critics


MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Friday forcefully rejected a timetable for withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq as his Republican Party assailed Democratic critics with an ad using the white flag of surrender.

"There are some who are arguing for a fixed timetable of withdrawal, I think it's a wrong policy," Bush said. "A fixed timetable of withdrawal would embolden the enemy, would confuse the Iraqis and would send the wrong signal to our young men and women in uniform."


In Minneapolis, Bush raised about $1 million for Rep. Mark Kennedy's bid for an open Minnesota seat in the U.S. Senate next year. Despite his poor poll numbers, Bush plans to campaign actively next year for Republicans trying to maintain their grip on the U.S. Congress.

White House spokesman Trent Duffy called Bush's appearance for Kennedy "proof positive that Republicans not only want the president to campaign on their behalf but are happy to welcome him to their states."