Westminster — Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald today released the historical facts on her position on the war in Iraq. “Senator Fitz-Gerald has been a strong and courageous leader fighting for change here in Colorado, and demanding an end to the war in Iraq is no exception. Jared Polis is distorting Joan’s record on the war when it is clear where she stands on Iraq – ending this war immediately. This is a time when democrats need to be united against George W. Bush to end this war. I am disappointed that Jared is attempting to divide us on the most critical issue facing the nation,” said Fitz-Gerald Campaign Manager Mary Alice Mandarich.
Fact sheet: Joan Fitzgerald has long opposed the Iraq War
– Fitz-Gerald Voted To Either Disarm Hussein or Remove Him From Power in 2003: In 2003 Fitz-Gerald supported Senate Joint Resolution 03-016. The bill stated, ” the General Assembly expresses its support of President George W. Bush and his cabinet, in cooperation with United States Congress and the United Nations, for their unwavering determination to either disarm Saddam Hussein or remove him from power, and also expresses its support of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces for their courage and dedication to this mission.” (SJR03-16, passed Senate, 33-2, 2/1-3/03, page 338 of Senate Journal) It is now fact that the United States went into Iraq based on false information from George W. Bush and his administration.
– Fitz-Gerald Voted In Favor Of A Resolution Supporting U.S. Troops In Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, Fitz-Gerald supported a resolution that expressed the General Assembly’s gratitude and support for the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. The resolution recognized the sacrifices of the families of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and expressed appreciation for their efforts. The resolution stated that the General Assembly commended and supported the efforts and leadership of President George Bush in the conduct of military operations in Iraq, as well as gratitude for Tony Blair and other nations for their military support and assistance in the campaign against Saddam Hussein’s regime. This resolution passed unanimously, 35-0. (HJR03-1041, 4/1-0/03)
– Fact: Fitzgerald Would Have Voted Against Supplemental Spending Bill: In May of 2007 when the Iraq supplemental spending bill was debated in Congress Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald indicated she would have voted against the supplemental spending bill and supported the 180-day troop withdrawal bill. (The Denver Post 5/3-0/2007)
– Fact: Fitzgerald Recognized for Supporting Troop Withdrawal: Writing from an interview with Joan Fitz-Gerald, David Thielen of ColoaradoPols wrote, “She (JOAN)will clearly be a strong intelligent voice on getting us the hell out of Iraq and taking care of our returning troops. And she does mean out – Marine guard at the embassy and that’s it for troops in the country.” (ColoradoPols, accessed 9/1-2/2007)
– Fact: Fitz-Gerald Supports the 180-Day Troop Withdrawal from Iraq Bill: “Both state Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald of Jefferson County and businessman Jared Polis said they would have voted against the supplemental spending bill. They both also said that they would have backed the 180-day troop withdrawal bill.” (The Denver Post, 5/3-0/07)
– Fact: Fitz-Gerald Honored 48 Colorado Soldiers Who Gave Their Lives In Iraq In A Senate Resolution: “Senate Joint Resolution 32, sponsored by Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, D-Coal Creek Canyon, and Garza Hicks, named the 48 Colorado soldiers who gave their lives in Iraq.” (Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO), 4/1-0/07, SJR07-32, the bill passed and was signed by both the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House)
– Fact: Fitz-Gerald Supported a Debate on the Iraq War Because of It’s Impact on All Americans, Especially Coloradans: “Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, who usually prefers to contain floor debate to state issues, has said she supports having what will no doubt be a long and contentious debate on Iraq because the war has become a state issue by siphoning money for health care and education.” (The Denver Post, 3/4/07; Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO), 3/9/07)
– Fact: Fitz-Gerald Supported a Resolution Criticizing Bush’s Troop Escalation Plan: “Democratic leaders in the Senate are backing a resolution criticizing President Bush’s decision to send more troops to Iraq, part of a national effort seeking to change the course of the war. Sen. Ron Tupa, D-Boulder, said 14 of the Senate’s 20 Democrats, including Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald, support the measure so far but no Republican members have signed on. He needs 18 votes to pass it.” (The Associated Press State In 2003& Local Wire, 3/1/07, SR07)
– Fact: Fitz-Gerald Sponsored Her Own Bill Against Troop Escalation In Iraq: Fitz-Gerald sponsored SR07-12, a bill that honors the troops’ dedication to their country and vows the legislatures support of continued funding to their efforts to keep them safe. More importantly, the bill announces the Colorado Senate’s call for a reduction in troop levels in Iraq, and asks the Bush Administration to respect the patriotism of those who disagree with the War and his troop escalation. (SR07-12 was laid over at its third reading on 5/3/07)
– Fitz-Gerald Voted To Either Disarm Hussein or Remove Him From Power in 2003: In 2003 Fitz-Gerald supported Senate Joint Resolution 03-016. The bill stated, ” the General Assembly expresses its support of President George W. Bush and his cabinet, in cooperation with United States Congress and the United Nations, for their unwavering determination to either disarm Saddam Hussein or remove him from power, and also expresses its support of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces for their courage and dedication to this mission.” (SJR03-16, passed Senate, 33-2, 2/1-3/03, page 338 of Senate Journal) It is now fact that the United States went into Iraq based on false information from George W. Bush and his administration.
– Fitz-Gerald Voted In Favor Of A Resolution Supporting U.S. Troops In Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2003, Fitz-Gerald supported a resolution that expressed the General Assembly’s gratitude and support for the U.S. armed forces in Iraq. The resolution recognized the sacrifices of the families of the men and women serving in the Armed Forces, and expressed appreciation for their efforts. The resolution stated that the General Assembly commended and supported the efforts and leadership of President George Bush in the conduct of military operations in Iraq, as well as gratitude for Tony Blair and other nations for their military support and assistance in the campaign against Saddam Hussein’s regime. This resolution passed unanimously, 35-0. (HJR03-1041, 4/1-0/03)
Jared Polis has conflicting statements on Iraq and has proposed a “controlled withdrawl.”
Fact: Jared Polis Calls for Controlled Withdrawal from Iraq, Not “Firm Schedule”: In outlining his issues on his website Jared Polis writes that success in Iraq should be defined as:
– Controlled withdrawal of U.S. forces that minimizes U.S. casualties and equipment losses.
– A functioning Iraqi government that is operating on the basis of a ratified constitution,
– Commitment from regional countries and major industrial nations to provide political, economic, and diplomatic support to the Iraqi government during the withdrawal and beyond, and facilite dialogue among warring factions towards developing a more stable Iraq
– Commitment from the U.S. government and other countries to long-term financial aid to rebuild infrastructure and provide economic assistance, security training, and ongoing anti-terrorism support. (http://www.polisforcongress.com/issues.htm)
