Wilson’s Latest Iraq Position Drawing Ire

More than one Journal reader – and apparently House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, as well – took major umbrage with Rep. Heather Wilson's floor statement yesterday on the Iraq war resolution pending before Congress.

Essentially, the readers accuse Wilson of wanting to have it both ways. The  Albuquerque Republican was a hawkish supporter of the war until after the November election, which she barely won.

Since then, Wilson has publicly opposed President Bush's "surge" or "escalation" of 21,500 troops to quell Baghdad. But yesterday she voted against the resolution opposing the surge, claiming its language was flimsy and could be interpreted to mean the Democrat-controlled House won't pay for the extra troops. (Full Story from Thursday's Journal)

"So let me get this straight! Rep. Wilson opposes an escalation of the war in Iraq, but opposes a House Resolution that opposes sending more US Troops to Iraq? WTF???," wrote a reader named Brian.

Wilson's floor statement also set Hoyer off but I must admit I missed his criticism because I got on the phone with my boss immediately after Wilson's statement. My colleague and competitor at the Albuquerque Tribune, James Brosnan, caught it and summarized Hoyer's beef in his piece today.

"…no one ought to hide behind the troops. No one ought to come to this floor and say that this Congress, 435 of us, will not support whatever soldier or sailor or Marine is deployed to Iraq. Whether it's today or tomorrow, they will have our support," Hoyer said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., is expected to voice his support for the resolution in a floor statement today.

UPDATE: AP story with Udall comments.