Saturday, October 20, 2007

Stark Stands Behind GOP Accusations

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) -- Bay Area Representative Pete Stark told KCBS he refuses to apologize to Republicans after accusing them of sending troops to Iraq “to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement” during a debate over a children’s health bill.

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The scathing comments drew immediate condemnation from Republicans, who demanded he retract it. "Congressman Stark's statement dishonors not only the commander in chief, but the thousands of courageous men and women of America's armed forces who believe in their mission and are putting their lives on the line for our freedom and security,'' said House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

When asked if he would take back any of his statements, Stark told KCBS “Absolutely not. I may have dishonored the commander in chief, but I think he’s done pretty well to dishonor himself without any help from me.”

He added the real dishonor is that Republicans refuse to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. “The fact is that I do support the troops in Iraq. They’re there fighting to protect our children here,” said Stark. “I think (Republicans) owe the troops in Iraq an apology for not protecting the children that those troops left behind.”

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