{news} Duffee in CT Post

[David Bedell]

http://www.connpost.com/news/ci_4190464

Article Created: 8/16/2006 02:13 PM

Farrell criticizes Shays Iraq policy

SUSAN SILVERS ssilvers at ctpost.com
Connecticut Post Online

NORWALK — Diane Farrell, the Democrats' 4th Congressional District 
candidate, lashed out Tuesday at Republican U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays for 
supporting the war in Iraq, but stopped short of calling for withdrawal of 
U.S. troops by a specific date.

"A date certain in my opinion is not realistic," said Farrell, breaking with 
some in her party who want a pullout date set.

"We all want our troops out," Farrell said during a news conference in 
Norwalk City Hall. While she acknowledged that some war opponents want an 
immediate U.S. withdrawal, she suggested that most want to see the U.S. 
develop a strategy for leaving with the aim that Iraq be able to maintain 
some stability afterward.

Farrell called the victory in last week's Democratic primary by anti-war 
Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont over U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman a sign that 
voters want a shift in approach.

"What we have to focus on as a new Congress in January is holding the 
president accountable," she said.

But Brett Cody, Shays' spokesman, maintained that "no one's performed more 
or better oversight" of the war.

Cody pointed to Shays' imminent departure for a 14th trip to Iraq and a 
series of pending hearings on the war as evidence of the congressman's close 
monitoring of the war efforts.

Iraq was a war of choice, Farrell said, and assertions that it stemmed the 
tide of terrorism "are without proof or evidence."

During the hourlong news conference, Farrell said the United States "can be 
working toward clear goals" through such measures as defining the different 
roles of American and Iraqi personnel. She said, for example, the U.S. 
military can offer "expert training" to Iraqi security forces.

On other topics, Farrell:

? criticized President Bush for not firmly stating that Israel "has a right 
to protect its citizens" at the start of its recent clash with Hezbollah 
forces in Lebanon.

? said that because of Hurricane Katrina, Americans feel less secure facing 
the prospects of a natural disaster.

? said she would hold open forums starting Thursday to listen to voters in 
each of the district's 17 municipalities as the campaign progresses, 
mirroring a town meeting custom of Shays.

Farrell, a former Westport first selectwoman who came within 4 percentage 
points of ousting the Bridgeport incumbent two years ago, is again in a 
tight race with Shays. The contest is rated by many political observers as 
one of a handful that could change hands in November and shift the balance 
of power to Democrats if Farrell prevails.

There could also be up to three other candidates on the ballot, depending on 
the certification of petitions filed last week by other aspirants.

Potential candidates include: Richard Z. Duffee of Stamford, a Green Party 
member; Philip Z. Maymin of Greenwich, a Libertarian; and John Imre of 
Bridgeport, unaffiliated. Even with the required 2,909 valid signatures, 
Duffee and Maymin have to file endorsements from their parties to qualify, 
said Michael Kozik, managing elections attorney for the secretary of the 
state.