The LuLac Edition #73, Oct. 27, 2006

IRAQ PM SAYS HE COULD DO BETTER

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's prime minister said on Thursday he could get violence under control in six months, half the time U.S. generals say they need, provided Washington gave him more weaponry and more say over his own forces.
In sharp criticism of the handling of Iraq's security by the United States, Nuri al-Maliki denied U.S. assertions he was working to a timetable of steps agreed with Washington.
He also told Reuters in an interview he had no fear the Americans might oust him, after President George W. Bush said on Wednesday his patience was "not unlimited" and that he would back Maliki "as long as he continues to make tough decisions".
"They think building Iraqi forces will need 12 to 18 months, for us to be in control of security," Maliki said, referring to remarks two days ago by U.S. commander General George Casey.
"We agree our forces need work but think that if, as we are asking, the rebuilding of our forces was in our own hands, then it would take not 12-18 months but six might be enough."
He called for more say on security policy once the U.S.-led Coalition's U.N. mandate runs out in December.
"If anyone is responsible for the poor security situation in Iraq it is the Coalition," Maliki said.
"I am now prime minister and overall commander of the armed forces yet I cannot move a single company without Coalition approval because of the U.N. mandate," Maliki said.

If I were President, this would be the out I was looking for. The Iraq PM is not real happy with "The Coalition's" timetable, well then pal, here's what we'll do.

1. Ask you if you misquoted.

2. If you weren't, start withdrawing troops from Iraq immediately.

3. Continue aid so that the PM could adequately train his troops without Coalition or UN interference.

4. Plan a huge welcome home party for all the troops safely exacuated out of Iraq in April 2007.

LEONARDI LETTER TO THE EDITOR

11th Republican Congressional candidate Joe Leonardi recently penned a letter to editors regarding his campaign. Some great points. Take a look.

Dear Editor,
I have often been asked; what is the one major difference between Congressman Kanjorski and myself? I have always had several, but on Sunday, October 22, I heard the congressman speak on "The Pulse with Corey O’Brien." A side note, Corey O’Brien told me on two occasions; once on the phone and once right to my face, at the Latin Festival in Scranton, that he would have me on his show. He had also told the same to one of my campaign staffers at a debate he moderated at Lackawanna College. To date I have not been invited to appear on his televison or radio show. However, Corey did have the Congressman on for the entire half hour Sunday. After the Congressman completed the interview, it hit me; the one major difference between us is this: From "Wall Street West" to the "Mag-Lev Train" he gives the impression it is his goal to make Northeast PA a subsidiary of New York City. I want to make Northeast PA a viable, independent, economic powerhouse. I want to use the resources we have in here in Northeast PA to create jobs, provide opportunity and give our children a place to stay after college.
Unfortunately, because the Congressman does not believe the voters have the right to hear us debate, he and I will never get to discuss this in front of the voters. As I have stated, his refusal to debate is acceptable to me, but it should not be acceptable to you, the voters. The Congressman does not believe he should come off his mountain and debate with me; a mere middle class citizen. He has taken the elitist position that he knows what is best for us all and doesn’t believe voters have the right to make an informed decision.
Congressman Kanjorski can continue to communicate through select members of the media that gleefully cheer him on. I will continue to make myself available to anyone who wants to interview me, whether it is bloggers, talk show hosts, newspaper or television reporters. Most importantly, I welcome you, the voter, to contact me and ask any questions you would like. If after hearing my answers you still do not want to vote for me, I respect that.
If you want change, if you want someone who will demonstrate accountability, responsibility and courage to our constituents, then please vote for me.
Thank you,
Joe Leonardi

KATSOCK TEAM ROLLS ON

GOP candidate for State Representative in the 121rst District, Christine Katsock seems to be making a race of it against Eddie Day Pashinski. Katsock's media is very good, her advertising is on point and you can't help but wonder if Pashinski is going to face some resistance from his two Democratic primary foes, Bob Reilly and Dr. Brian O'Donnell. Those two guys haven't been exactly front and center with Mr. Pashinski. In the meantime, Katsock is covering the district with her message and getting good responses.

CORDARO SIGN SPOTTED

John Cordaro, GOP candidate in the 120th District is nowheres to be seen but we encountered one of his signs in the front window of Tony's Restaraunt on Wyoming Avenue in Kingston next to Bonner Chevrolet.

STARTING SUNDAY OCT. 29TH.....

COUNTDOWN TO ELECTON DAY!!!!!