Senate Democratic candidates contrast on Iraq

By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press
August 4, 2004

WEST PALM BEACH — Three Florida Democrats vying for U.S. Senate differed Tuesday on the war in Iraq, with Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas calling for the withdrawal of troops by the end of next year.

In a debate televised statewide, Penelas said he would support the returning of troops by the end of 2005, calling it the one "clear distinction" between him and former state Education Commissioner Betty Castor and U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch.

"America is not safer off today. We've compromised the war against terror," Penelas said.

Castor and Deutsch both called for multilateral troops to help rebuild Iraq, but criticized President Bush's handling of the nation's entry into the Middle Eastern country. Neither offered a specific timetable for the withdrawal of American troops.

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