Gov. Jon Corzine's Statement on General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker's Report to Congress

September 10, 2007, TRENTON - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine released the following statement in reaction to today’s testimony by General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker:

“While I have the utmost respect for General Petraeus, I cannot help but think his recommendation for sustained troop levels is a last ditch effort by the Bush Administration to garner support for a failed strategy.

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“The New Jersey National Guard is scheduled to deploy a 3,400 member Brigade Combat Team into the theater of operations in the near future. For the sake of them and their families, I hope there is a plan in place that maximizes their ability to complete their mission and return home safely.

"Our guard-members have answered every time their nation has called, but this war is placing unprecedented burdens upon the National Guard and harming our state’s capacity to protect the homeland and respond to natural disasters.

"98 service-members from New Jersey have given their lives in Iraq. We should all applaud the heroic efforts of our troops, who have undoubtedly achieved tactical successes in Iraq.

“Regrettably, the Bush Administration has failed to build on their efforts and has failed to force accountability from the Iraqi government.

“Given their chronic incompetence in handling this war, the Bush Administration should no longer receive the benefit of the doubt – especially after so many of the concerns that led me and others to oppose this war have been realized.

“I implore the President and General Petraeus to outline a definitive timeline for withdrawal that will force the Iraqis to secure their own country and bring our armed forces home as soon as possible.”

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Source: Office of the Governor