A preview of Tsongas, Ogonowski debate?

Following General David Petraeus' testimony before Congress today, Fifth Congressional District candidates issued competing statements and engaged in a little tit-for-tat disagreement over the war in Iraq. The candidates have not yet had their first debate, but below, using material from their statements issued this afternoon, is what it might look like when they do.

Democratic nominee Niki Tsongas started off by calling the Petraeus testimony "a small step in the right direction" but in the next breath added that "much more must be done to bring our troops home quickly."

Her Republican opponent, Jim Ogonowski, said Tsongas should hold her fire.

"Let's not politicize the war," Ogonowksi said. "The people of the 5th District want to have the opportunity to hear what the General has to say, absent political rhetoric. There will be plenty of time during this campaign to debate the future of Iraq and the Global War on Terror, but today, we need to let Congress ask the tough questions so we can have the facts. The people of the 5th District deserve an honest conversation, not more political, partisan rhetoric."

"The Bush administration has pursued a failed policy in Iraq and I respectfully disagree with Mr. Ogonowski's position that we should stay in Iraq indefinitely," said Tsongas, who supports existing legislation that would set a 9 month timetable for withdrawal, a stance Ogonowski has called a "cut and run" strategy.

"Like it or not," Tsongas said, "this election will be a referendum on the war in Iraq."

"Iraq is a serious issue that our country faces right now," Ogonowski said. "We have made many mistakes and many politicians have politicized the war for their own interests. War is not a partisan issue."

Tsongas retorted, "I've traveled throughout this entire District over the past seven months and everywhere I've gone, people have told me that they do not want our servicemen and women serving as referees in a civil war, they want them brought home. The message I've heard has been loud and clear. People in this District want change, and I would like to go to Washington to help carry this message to the White House."

"The American people are demanding answers and I ask the United States Congress to ask tough questions," Ogonowksi said. "But, political grandstanding and partisan bickering will not bring our troops home faster or protect America from its enemies."