God bless my senator.

GOP Senator Says Iraq Plan Not Working

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Richard Lugar, a senior Republican and a reliable vote for President Bush on the war, said Monday that Bush's Iraq strategy was not working and that the U.S. should downsize the military's role.

The unusually blunt assessment deals a political blow to Bush, who has relied heavily on GOP support to stave off anti-war legislation.

(snip)

"In my judgment, the costs and risks of continuing down the current path outweigh the potential benefits that might be achieved," Lugar, R-Ind., said in a Senate floor speech. "Persisting indefinitely with the surge strategy will delay policy adjustments that have a better chance of protecting our vital interests over the long term."

Only a few Republicans have broken ranks and called for a change in course or embraced Democratic proposals ordering troops home by a certain date. As the top Republican and former chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Lugar's critique could provide political cover for more Republicans wanting to challenge Bush on the war.

I have a pretty good relationship with the Senators office, and have always found them to be open to discuss things, even if we disagree. Senator Lugar is one of the "old school" senators, and he shows it.

Now if only my Democratic Representative Donnelly and Senator Bayh would do the same thing. Huh.

Update- John @ AMERICAblog has the text of the speech