I am committed to ending the Iraq War and bringing our troops home. My opponent is silent on the War and endorsed Presidential candidate John McCain who has no problem staying in Iraq for 100 years or more.

Vermont is a special place,  praised for our quality of life and for being one of the safest and healthiest states – and a great place to raise kids. But, unfortunately we are also the state with the highest per capita death rate among soldiers in Iraq. It is a distinction we regret. We are a small close-knit community and recognize all too well the sacrifice our Vermont neighbors make every day.

As we consider the human toll of the war, we must consider the financial cost. What would you do with the $900 billion dollars or more already spent on this war? Invest it in health care, housing, schools, roads, affordable homes, cleaning up our environment, investing in our farms or feeding the hungry? Most of us would choose our communities. The Bush Administration chose to take us to war.

Vermonters’ share is nearing $800 million dollars and projected to be $202 million in 2009 alone. With a fraction of that we could retrofit thousands of homes, businesses and public buildings with renewable energy and energy efficiency systems, ending our dependence on oil from the Middle East. We could rebuild our infrastructure; invest in our communities and families. Instead, our roads and bridges crumble, our Constitutional rights are eroded, and our democracy is undermined.

These costs must be part of our conversations and our debates about the economy, our state budget and the growing pressures felt by Vermont families. We must end the war, bring our troops home safely and take the best possible care of our veterans and military families.

Unfortunately, despite opposition from most Americans and Vermonters, more Vermont Guard members may be called to war before the year is out.

Remember, Congress authorized the use of military action and our National Guard in Iraq to defeat Saddam Hussein and uphold United Nations weapon inspections. The march to war was based on false information. But, those initial objectives have been met and the mission has expired. Our Vermont National Guard members should not be required to serve in a war that is not justified and beyond the intent of Congress. Vermonters have a tradition of leadership. We have been the conscience of the nation. As Governor, I will help us regain our voice. I will resist efforts, from the oil companies and Washington politicians, to require Vermont National Guard members to return to combat.