2007-03-20 03:48:54 -

WASHINGTON, MARCH 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an online survey over the weekend, 85% of MoveOn members directed the organization to support the House Democratic Leadership measure that sets a date certain for redeploying American troops out of Iraq.

Tomorrow, MoveOn.org Political Action will begin airing radio spots targeting Congressman James Walsh (R-25th NY) and Phil English (R-3rd PA) for failing to support this measure. The spots will run through Friday.

While members expressed concern that The Troop Readiness, Veterans Health & Iraq Accountability Act does not go far

enough or move fast enough and contains loopholes, they decided that it was an important step to end the US occupation of Iraq.

"MoveOn members want a responsible end to the war by the end of 2007. While this measure doesn't go far enough, they know the choice is a war without end or a safe and responsible end to the war. This measure is an important step in the right direction," said Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn.org Political Action.

The online vote started on Sunday and ended at 3 pm ET today. More than 126,000 members took part in the vote.

"I agree it may not go far enough, but it is a first step," said MoveOn member Ruel B. from Fremont, California. "Hopefully, the first step on the road to getting out of Iraq."

"One step at a time," said Susan M. from Houghton Michigan. "Most of America is ready to end this misguided, miscalculated and malevolent aggression. I just returned from an Iraq War anniversary march. Not a single car or truck that passed us ridiculed us, and MOST honked and gave the thumbs up. This is middle America, not the posh liberal suburbs."

"Congressman Walsh should develop a backbone and stand up to the President's misguided plan in Iraq," said Tom Matzzie, Washington Director of MoveOn.org Political Action. "We overwhelmingly voted to end the war in November and its time for Congress to follow that mandate," concluded Matzzie.

SCRIPT OF AD: MoveOn.org Political Action Radio: 60 "Spineless" Rep. Walsh (NY-25) YOUNG WOMAN: I don't know how he can walk. MAN: I guess he doesn't drive a car. OLD WOMAN: He must eat lying down.

ANNOUNCER: They're talking about our Republican Congressman, Jim Walsh. Reliable sources have reported that he's lost his backbone.

Last November, America voted to change course in Iraq. We wanted to bring our troops home from a religious civil war.

(DOCUMENTATION: According to exit polls conducted on Election Day for The Associated Press and the television networks, more than half of voters said they disapproved of the war in Iraq, wanted troops to start coming home and didn't think the war has improved security in the United States. Those most unhappy with the war helped put Democrats in control of Congress. [AP, 11/10/06]

"Everything is different now for President Bush. The era of one-party Republican rule in Washington ended with a crash this month when Democrats decisively won control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. The results sent a clear message to the President that the voters want change, especially on the war in Iraq." New York Times, 11/27/06]

"The key message from the 2006 elections: Figure out a different future for Iraq." [Christian Science Monitor Editorial, 11/10/06])

And we expected Jim Walsh to have the backbone to stand up to George Bush and Dick Cheney, to stand with the leadership in Congress and get us out of Iraq.

(DOCUMENTATION: On January 10th, Congressman Walsh stated, "I join the majority of American people who are unhappy and disheartened with the sectarian violence and the lack of progress in Iraq ... I am pleased that the President and his administration have finally acknowledged the need for a change of course." [States News Service, 1/11/07])

Instead Jim Walsh seems to be rolling over in support of George Bush, in support of sending in more troops, sacrificing more lives and more money on this religious civil war.

(DOCUMENTATION: Congressman Walsh voted against the FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill that would set in motion a withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by August 2008 at the latest and would set waiveable requirements for unit readiness and lengths of deployment. [House Appropriations Committee, 3/15/07]

Congressman Walsh voted for an amendment to the FY2007 Supplemental Appropriations bill that would strike the withdrawal provisions and express opposition to cuts or restrictions to war funding and support for U.S. military personnel. [House Appropriations Committee, 3/15/07])

Has Jim Walsh really lost his backbone? Ask him. Call 315-423-5657. 315-423-5657. Paid for by the 3.2 million members of MoveOn.org Political Action.

Source: MoveOn.org Political Action