National Assembly Overwhelmingly Votes To Begin Troop Withdrawal In Iraq

Assembly Measure Stuns Collester; Not Expected To Pass In House Of Delegates

On Monday, the National Assembly shocked President Byelle by voting overwhelmingly, with strong bipartisan support, to begin troop withdrawals in Iraq.

The measure was introduced by Reps. Pat Nelson (N-LIA), Pat Alosha (N-LIA), Nathan Lister (N-MON), Don Cheager (N-POG), Richard Oxnard (N-DMG), and John Yannes (N-POG). It calls for Grassadellan troops to begin coming home in January 2008, and gradually draw down over the next year, if conditions permit.

Supporters said the bill would finally bring Grassadella's involvement in the unpopular war to an end. Opponents argued terrorists would only wait for troops to leave before resuming attacks, and, they contended, the bill would stimie progress being made in Iraq.

After hours of intense debate, the final vote tally was 150 in favor of withdrawing troops and 120 against, or 55% in favor, 45% against.

According to the Assembly Clerk's Office, all Nationalists except one, Rep. Mary Kay Allen (N-MON), voted for the measure. An astonishing 15 Conservatives voted for it, including: Roman Chatskovy (DMG), Andrea Doorfield (LIA), Dave Eckleberg (CEA), Tom Etheridge (REM), Niles Gilcrest (POG), Pat Leemore (DMG), Robert Maclan (ARA), Robert Mitford (WEL), Rick Newbunn (POG), Brian Paricho (POG), George Reedsworth (TRI), Greg Simms (POG), Allan Virtue (CEA), Patty Waters (DMG), and Ron Wilder (DMG).

Only two of the eighteen Democratic-Reformists, Reps. Jessica Blaine (DMG) and Devon DuBois (WEL), voted against the resolution. All five Liberal Democrats and all three independents voted for it.

Political observers note that many of the conservatives who crossed the aisle and voted for the resolution are either facing a tough fight for reelection or are running for a higher office in 2008. Chatskovy, Waters, and Wilder are all vying for the open House seat in Damoign, while Gilcrest, Reedsworth, and Maclan are also running for open seats in Veroche, Trinton, and Armana, respectively.

Still, the margin the bill passed by was astounding to all. Assembly Speaker Josty Pottsman (C-POG) told the GBC he was "surprised it had so much support," and Majority Leader Mark Rolen (C-POG) told the STAR Radio Network he was stunned at the vote.

"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the votes coming in," he said.

Even opposition leaders were surprised at the broad support the resolution gained.

"I honestly was not even sure this thing would pass," Assistant Minority Leader Bruce Cardinelli (N-DMG) told GBC Radio.

Assembly Minority Leader Rep. Paul Leitcher (N-WEL), said in a press conference afterward he was happy the bill passed.

"I'm actually elated," Leitcher said. "I applaud my colleagues, and especially those from the majority party who came over and joined our side. I am so proud of you. Today, I am very proud to not only be a Nationalist, but more importantly, I am proud we have spoken on behalf of the Grassadellan people. We have spoken for the majority of the public, and we have voiced the consensus loud and clear."

Collester did not immediately comment on the vote results; only saying in an e-mail statement to the media it was "stunned" that so many conservatives crossed over.

The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to fail. President Byelle has also promised to veto the resolution if it does pass, and an over-riding majority is unlikely in either house.