Doolittle Fields Mixed Reaction in Auburn to Iraq War Views

Doolittle fields mixed reaction in Auburn to Iraq war views

The Iraq war proved the hot-button topic Friday for an Auburn audience during a town-hall meeting with U.S. Rep. John Doolittle.

Speaking on the Iraq war, Doolittle drew both applause and boos when he said that while the U.S. presence hadn't gone as smoothly as he had hoped, he had voted against a Democratic Party-led resolution in Congress challenging President Bush's decision to increase troop strength there.

"I felt I couldn't refuse to support the commander-in-chief's request," Doolittle said.

After the applause and smattering of boos had ended, Doolittle shifted the focus back to what he described as his own skepticism about the troop increase, Doolittle said any success hinges on the ability of the Iraqi government to step up.

"I'm a little skeptical but I hope I'm wrong," Doolittle said. "A lot depends on the Iraqi government and it's shaky."

Some applause also followed Doolittle's observation that "at the minimum," the U.S. should be moving toward getting troops off the firing -line and turn military duties, as well as border patrols and policing, over to Iraq forces. Instead, the U.S. military should take on the role of trainer and adviser, he said.

Still more applause followed when Doolittle firmly answered one questioner that he didn't believe the Iraq war was a violation of international law and U.S. leaders should be prosecuted as war criminals.

A chance to communicate directly with the veteran District Four congressman drew an estimated 150 people to the Gold Country Fairgrounds' Sierra Building for the hour-long meeting.

Last month, Doolittle pledged to devote more time to listening to the concerns of District 4 residents. Town hall meetings were key components in a 10-point program that also includes establishing satellite district offices, posting his schedule on his congressional Web site and creating committees on several issues.

Doolittle, R-Roseville, spent Tuesday through Friday in the district, while holding town hall meetings in Susanville, Quincy, Orangevale, Grass Valley and Placerville as well as Auburn.

During the first part of his presentation, Doolittle reported that his Web site now posted his schedule, satellite offices had been established in Susanville and Quincy, and advisory committees on education, law enforcement, veterans affairs and seniors' issues were up and running.

Doolittle also talked about holding telephone conferences with constituents in the near future.

"I know not all of you voted for me but that's irrelevant," Doolittle said. "I'm going to reach out and try the best I can to accommodate your views."

After the meeting, Peter McIntyre said that he appreciated Doolittle's candor. McIntyre had driven from Placerville for the meeting.

"He told us what he did know and admitted what he didn't know," McIntyre said. "He was forthright and I appreciate this chance to hear the thoughts of a congressman."

Lincoln's Mitch Mitchell said he thought Auburn Mayor Bob Snyder, who served as moderator, was screening the questions. Questions were submitted before and during the meeting, with people standing up when their questions were asked by Snyder.

"Congressman Doolittle is an absolute master at answering the questions he wants to answer," Mitchell said. "I felt the Republicans must have really loved this session but the Democrats are frustrated. He was preaching pretty much to the choir."

Doolittle won his ninth term in Congress last November, but his popularity at the polls slipped to 49 percent. Democrat challenger Charlie Brown finished with about 45 percent of the vote.

Brown, who chose not to attend any of the town-hall sessions, said holding town-hall meetings was a pledge he had made during the election while criticizing Doolittle for being out of touch with voters.

"It's an interesting start after 16 years of not listening to the district," Brown said. "He seems to agree that I was correct."

Brown, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, said that it's particularly telling that Doolittle doesn't support the troop surge but is willing to vote against a move in Congress to express opposition.

"Why would you support putting more people in harm's way if you admit what has been done so far hasn't worked?" Brown said. "More troops. Spending more money. They just don't get it."

http://doolittle.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=58895