Patricia Maher: Peter King Wants War In Iraq For Another 15 Years

Press Release

Patricia Maher, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 2nd District, was shocked at the comments that her opponent, Peter King, made regarding Iraq last Thursday. King told reporters that "this is a war that we want for another 10, 15 years," in reference to the current situation in Iraq.

"The constituents in the district don't want war for the next decade, nor do their children because they would be the ones pay the price." said Maher. "A decade long war would drain our economy, put us into crippling debt and thousands of American lives would be lost. Peter King was wrong on Iraq once, why should we listen to him again? We have already spent trillions of dollars in Iraq to no avail and almost 5,000 American troops lost their lives."

Maher added, "A perpetual war in Iraq would serve to enrich defense contractors that stand to profit from a decade of war. Not to mention that such a prolonged engagement is unconstitutional if Congress doesn't declare war. I don't want to see the interests of private defense contractors being put ahead of the interests of the constituents in the district and the American people."

Maher then noted that ISIL is a national security threat and that she supports a multilateral coalition of our allies, targeted air strikes and special forces operations to defeat them. She also expressed the hope for an Iraqi government that includes all sects and ethnic groups to provide long-term stability in the country.

"I'm the daughter of a U.S. Cadet Navy nurse and a niece of the former Lt. Commander of the USS Intrepid," continued Maher. "I care deeply about protecting our country. We need a foreign policy that has concise direction and a clear strategic plan. We have to learn from history."

"Peter King wants us to be at war for over a decade, and the loss of American lives for a war of this length would be devastating. Our economy would become completely stagnant and the United States would be left with a crippling debt. King's ultimate goal is to be President, not Congressman. I on the other hand do not have any ulterior motives. As Congresswoman, I will only be focused on solving problems and serving the people of our district," Maher concluded.

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