U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Bartow, the third-ranking Republican member of the U.S. House, is “reserving judgment” on the troop increase for Iraq that President Bush is expected to propose Wednesday. 

During his successful re-election campaign, Putnam strongly opposed his two opponents’ calls for military withdrawal from Iraq, calling the occupation there the central front in the U.S. War on Terrorism.

At the same time, citing his interaction with American military commanders, Putnam said he was opposed to troop increases. Here’s an excerpt from a Q and A with Putnam published Oct. 3 in The Tribune:

“Q. If Iraq is the central front in the war on terrorism, as you say, why aren’t you talking about a full national mobilization or draft?
A. Well, a draft is off the table. We have an all-volunteer force that serves us well. We have relocated some troops from Iraq and different parts of the world. I think that’s entirely appropriate.

Q. So you think our troop strength is sufficient? We don’t need any more troops?
A. When I was in Iraq three months ago, General [George] Casey [commander of U.S. forces in Iraq] said he has everything he needs.

Q. You are aware there are a lot of reports to the contrary?
A. I’m aware of a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking.”

Now, Casey is being replaced by Army Lt. Gen. David Petraeus, and Pres. Bush is expected to announce an increase of U.S. troops in Iraq in his Wednesday night speech to the nation. The number of troops is unclear. Reports have generally ranged from 9,000 to 50,000. Their duration of stay is also a point of great speculation.

Asked his thoughts on the concept of a troop increase in Iraq, Putnam declined to answer. Rather, his spokesman John Hambel said: “He is reserving judgment until his sees the proposal put forth by the Commander in Chief.”

Get Weekly Deals | Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad