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Candidate Positions on Iraq

The following positions reflect those used for each candidate in the Select A Candidate survey. They come from the candidates; public statements, Web sites, and responses to Minnesota Public Radio questionnaires. In some cases, candidiates have failed to respond to inquiries, and their position is noted as "No known opinion."

Question: Do you favor or oppose a set date (timeline) for the removal of U.S. troops from Iraq?
Dean BarkleyDean Barkley ANSWER OPTION: Favor
 CANDIDATE'S POSITION: The Iraq War was a mistake from the beginning, but our troops have performed admirably and have long since accomplished every stated pre-war goal, including toppling Saddam Hussein, eliminating the (non-existent) weapons of mass destruction threat and paving the way for democracy. It's now time for Iraqis to take control of their own destiny.

Norm ColemanNorm Coleman ANSWER OPTION: Oppose
 CANDIDATE'S POSITION: In an interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Coleman said that "I don't think you can cut off funding for the troops you have there...[Gen. David] Petraeus has earned the right to come back 45 days after we're back to pre-surge levels" to make his recommendations on level of forces. (More Info)

Al FrankenAl Franken ANSWER OPTION: Favor
 CANDIDATE'S POSITION: During an interview with MPR's Midday, Franken said, "No, not an immediate withdrawal at all. I'm for sort of the Biden plan, which is a partition of the country - a soft partition." But in February 2008, during a DFL candidate debate, Franken supported a timeline for withdrawing. (More Info)

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