Richardson Campaign Press Release - Governor Richardson: "John Edwards Would Change the Mission. I Will End the War."

Despite today's rhetoric, Richardson remains the only major candidate who will get all of the troops out and end the war

WASHINGTON, DC-- New Mexico Governor and Democratic Presidential candidate Bill Richardson today released the following statement on John Edwards' new rhetoric on Iraq:

"When asked directly by Tim Russert if, as President, he would pledge to have all American troops out of Iraq by 2013, John Edwards said no. He could not commit to ending this war even in five and a half years. We need less rhetoric and more resolve on this issue.

"Edwards says that he would get all of the combat troops out of Iraq, but he would leave behind thousands of non-combat troops in the middle of a civil war. That is not ending the war. Just look at what he has said-- look at the plan on his web site. If you leave thousands of troops behind, you are not ending the war.

"Leaving behind thousands of non-combat troops contradicts Army doctrine and common sense. It is simply irresponsible. Furthermore, Edwards' plan to keep a brigade in Iraq for five years for humanitarian workers and civilian contractors is equally mistaken. Five thousand troops will not be able to do what he is asking. History teaches us that putting undermanned forces in the middle of sectarian conflict, whether in Somalia, Lebanon, or anywhere else, is a recipe for disaster.

"In his speech today, Edwards tried to widen the rhetorical distance between himself and Senator Clinton. However, the actual difference in this race is between me and Senators Edwards, Clinton, and Obama. They will leave thousands of our brave troops behind. I will get all of them out and leave behind no residual forces. John Edwards would change the mission. I will end the war."