STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR DURBIN ON RESIGNATION OF DEFENSE SECRETARY RUMSFELD

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement on the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld:

“Secretary Rumsfeld’s departure is long overdue. Donald Rumsfeld was a major architect of our failed policies in Iraq and his leadership at the Pentagon had been challenged by Republicans and Democrats alike and members of the military of all ranks.”

“Yesterday, the American people spoke with a clear voice about their dissatisfaction with the war in Iraq and voted for change. Now, they want accountability and results at home and in Iraq.”

“I look forward to meeting with Robert Gates, who has been nominated to take up the challenge of leading the Department of Defense when our nation is at war. My hope is that Mr. Gates will bring his experience on the Iraq Study Group to bear and will examine our situation in Iraq with fresh eyes. If Robert Gates is confirmed, he must implement a plan to transfer responsibility for the security of Iraq to the Iraqis so our troops can come home – a plan that Secretary Rumsfeld has failed to execute while at the Pentagon.”

 

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