Bush: U.S. strategy will win in Iraq

President defends war policies at fundraiser for Musgrave in Denver

Stuart Steers, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 30, 2005 at midnight

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President Bush fiercely defended his policies in Iraq to a Denver audience Tuesday, saying that the war was succeeding and the U.S. would be victorious over its enemies.

"We have a strategy for victory in Iraq," Bush said. "We'll help (that) country develop into a democracy."

Bush spoke at a fundraiser at the Brown Palace Hotel for Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, who represents northeast Colorado.

Bush's appearance drew 500 protesters calling for an end to the war, and many of his comments seemed to be aimed at the growing criticism of his policies in Iraq. Bush said the U.S. faces a relentless enemy in Islamic fundamentalism.

"They have a dark vision of the world," he said. "They want to establish a totalitarian empire that stretches from Spain to Indonesia, and one way for them to accomplish their objective is to drive us out of the Middle East. It's not going to happen on my watch."

Bush also said that Iraq was making progress toward becoming a democracy, and he noted the upcoming national elections.

"Democracy is on the march in Iraq," said Bush. "We're going to stand squarely with the people of Iraq and help them develop a free society."

The president dismissed calls in Congress to set a timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.

"I know there's some in Washington that have said, 'Get out of Iraq now,' " said Bush. "They're wrong. Precipitous withdrawal of our troops would send the wrong signal to our own troops, send the wrong signal to the enemy and send the wrong signal to people around the world who watch the commitment of the United States."

While recent polls show support for the president declining to 39 percent, the lowest point in his presidency, the crowd inside the hotel gave him a warm welcome.

Organizers said 340 people paid $1,000 each to attend, and dozens of them paid $5,000 to get their photos taken with the president. The event raised more than $450,000 for Musgrave's re-election campaign next year.

Gov. Bill Owens, Rep. Bob Beauprez, Lt. Gov. Jane Norton and other Colorado Republican leaders were on hand to greet the president.

Musgrave has become controversial for her sponsorship of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, and Bush praised her efforts.

"She's a strong supporter of the sanctity of marriage," Bush said. "She shares the same values as most people in Colorado."

Musgrave was re-elected last year with 51 percent of the vote, even though her district supported Bush by 57 percent. That alarmed national Republicans, who put her on a list of the most vulnerable incumbents and stepped up fundraising efforts on her behalf.

Bush has recently been attending fundraisers for Republicans who may face tough re-election battles. With Tuesday's event, Musgrave has collected more than $1 million for her next campaign.

"Being one of the only members of Congress to receive a campaign visit by President Bush makes my day and my year," Musgrave told the audience.

Bush also addressed the issue of illegal immigration, an issue that has divided Republicans. He called for a program of temporary work permits to allow people from Mexico and other countries to find work legally in the United States, an idea that horrifies some members of his party.

"Listen, we got people coming into this country to do the jobs Americans won't do," said Bush. "It seems to me it makes sense to have a willing worker be able to work with a willing employer on a temporary basis."

Rep. Tom Tancredo, the Littleton Republican who has criticized the administration for its policies on immigration, did not attend the fundraiser.

Bush spoke in a ballroom in the Comfort Inn, which is accessed through the Brown Palace via a pedestrian bridge. Denver police erected barricades around the hotel and tightly controlled entry.

A who's who of Republican donors were listed as hosts of the luncheon, including Phil Anschutz, Cortland Dietler, Alex Cranberg, and Ralph and Patricia Nagel.

Many of those who paid to hear the president said they liked his resolve about the war in Iraq.

Peter Duryea, of Littleton, whose brother will soon be deployed to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division, said he was heartened.

"It was very reassuring to hear his strength and his level of commitment," Duryea said.

steerss@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-892-2282

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