Pataki on Iraq

Today George Pataki hosted a lunch for NH GOP lawmakers. At the lunch, Pataki commented on the Baker/Hamilton Iraq Group findings. Pataki agreed with the commission that the number of troops embedded with Iraqi forces should increase to 10,000-20,000. Pataki said "I think that's part of making Iraqis take the lead." He added "We should have more global support, but we also should have the Iraqis themselves taking more of a leadership position. And that recommendation, assuming it means the Iraqi Army will be taking more of a lead, is what matters." Pataki also commented on the elections in New Hampshire. He said the GOP lost "...in significant part because in Washington, Republicans ended up being the party building bridges to nowhere and increasing spending instead of sticking with our core values."