GOP trying to dump Iraq war opponent

Dec 6, 2007

December 6, 2007

Dear Friend,

Maryland Republican Representative Wayne Gilchrest epitomizes courage.

A Vietnam War veteran, he is one of a very few Republicans willing to stand up to George W. Bush and vote to end the Iraq war. As a result, the Republican establishment is trying to dump him in the February 5 Republican primary.

Gilchrest needs your help to turn back this threat from the far right. Click here to contribute to his campaign.

There are far too few Republicans willing to stand up to the war zealots. Though Gilchrest initially supported the Iraq war, he quickly came to regret his vote. "What I failed to consider was whether the executive branch was competent, informed, and had integrity," he says. "Under the circumstances, I don't think it was."

Gilchrest came to believe that not only was the decision to go to war flawed, but that U.S. troops should be withdrawn as quickly as is feasible. And he has voted that way.

Click here to join Council for a Livable World in supporting Gilchrest's campaign.

Gilchrest is the definition of a fierce independent. His anti-war position is not the only departure from orthodoxy: he promotes environmental protection for the Chesapeake Bay, opposed NRA attempts to loosen restrictions on gun shows, and called the Pentagon's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy "ludicrous."

Gilchrest's primary opponent is State Senator Andy Harris, who calls the incumbent's anti-war stance his reason for running. Polls now show the race too close to call.

We need moderate Republican voices in Congress that are willing to stand up to the Iraq War if we are going to bring our troops home.

The Maryland primary will be held on February 12th. Click here to help us keep this important anti-war vote in Congress.

Sincerely,

John Isaacs and Guy Stevens

This mailing is paid for by Council for a Livable World Candidate Fund and is not approved by any candidate or campaign committee.