Vilsack bashes Bush troop plan

[leQ]

Gov. Tom Vilsack veered into the red hot debate over the Iraq war during his final Condition of the State speech Monday, drawing cheers from his fellow Democrats while striking a nerve with Republican lawmakers.

Gov. Tom Vilsack veered into the red hot debate over the Iraq war during his final Condition of the State speech Monday, drawing cheers from his fellow Democrats while striking a nerve with Republican lawmakers.

The roughly 40-minute speech underwent a transformation not unlike that of its author. Vilsack entered the House chamber as a governor determined to tout his achievements and departed as a presidential candidate intent on staking out his strong opposition to an unpopular war.

Although much of the speech was focused on state issues, Vilsack departed from his prepared text near its conclusion to assail President Bush’s plan to send more troops into the war. He called on the Iowa House and Senate to approve resolutions opposing the strategy.

more @
http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2007/01/10/local/doc45a46a9e4f5a9268396526.txt

the text of his speech follows the article. a good read for you vilsack fans (i hope there are some out there)