I am Barry Welsh and I am the Democratic Congressional Candidate running for Congress against Congressman Mike Pence.
I am writing to remind all of the good folks in Indiana to make sure you are registered to vote and that tomorrow, Monday April 7, is the last day to register for the May 6th Primary election. Call your county Democratic Party or go to your county courthouse or click here to download a form.
This Wednesday, General David Petraeus will testify before the House Foreign Relations Committee, upon which my opponent currently sits. See below for the campaign press release on this upcoming event.
"The Questions I Would Ask General Petraeus"
Connersville, IN- Wednesday of this week Iraq and the policies of the Bush Administration and their staunch supporters in Congress take front stage once again in Washington D.C. when General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, testify before the House of Representatives.
The Welsh for Congress Campaign waits with curiosity to learn what current 6th District Congressman Mike Pence may wish to ask during these hearings, while putting forth a list of questions that Barry Welsh has on this on going occupation.
Here are the four questions that the future Congressman Welsh would be asking:
- I see other nations now viewing the United States with mistrust and disgust, and the goodwill that this nation has been known for throughout its history has evaporated because of the White House and leaders in Congress misleading this nation into a war and occupation of Iraq, while Osama Bin Laden, who is actually responsible for attacking the United States, roams free and is not even on the minds of the Republican leadership. My question is, Do you honestly believe that the continued United States occupation of Iraq is really making us more secure in our home country, and if so how can you justify that?
- I did not and do not support the troop surge but the purposes of that surge was to stabilize the country of Iraq so political progress could occur. General Petraeus, you yourself said, and I quote "No one... feels that there has been sufficient progress by any means in the area of national reconciliation." Since there is no progress how can you call something that has not been successful a success?
- The nation’s 16 intelligence agencies agree that the most direct threat to the U.S. Homeland is actually from the borderland between Afghanistan and Pakistan so why is the US military still in Iraq and not fully addressing the largest and most direct national security threat with full force?
- The Army is saying that more than 25% of soldiers on 3rd or 4th tours suffer mental health problems, and Army Chief Of Staff General Casey called the Army and I quote, "out of balance." What exactly are we doing to address these issues and help our troops and vets?
Welsh sums things up with a statement:
"I expect Congressman Pence to lob a softball question or two, but he will not pose a challenge in these hearings, and that is so disappointing because Hoosier soldiers have given so much in this occupation. It basically comes down to 'Are we safer because of the occupation of Iraq?' and I personally see no way that we could be more secure. In fact, it may prove to show that we are far less secure."
Welsh will be continuing to tour the district speaking in support of his own candidacy and for both Democratic Presidential and Governor candidates ahead of the May 6th primary election. The candidate can be reached for interviews or comment by calling....
May 6th is the primary, and I will have more votes than Mike Pence that night, and that will be the first time that has happened to him. Business will pick up. Watch for us that night.
Thanks again to all of you that are and have supported our effort and
it is our time!
Peace
Barry Welsh