MOST New York Republicans in Congress yesterday said they’re in favor of giving President Bush the go-ahead to use military force to oust Saddam Hussein – but Democrats were sharply split.
Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton both said they’re waiting to see Bush make a case “for going to war with Iraq,” as Schumer put it via spokesman Phil Singer.
“There are strong voices on both sides of the debate over military action against Iraq and Sen. Clinton is looking forward to the president making his case,” said Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines.
Of the 20 downstate House members, nine say they expect to vote yes, six are undecided and four plan to vote no.
Rep. Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) couldn’t be reached but voted “no” to ousting Saddam in 1998 when the House voted 360-38 in favor.
Republicans Felix Grucci (L.I.), Pete King (L.I.), Vito Fossella (S.I.) and Ben Gilman (Middletown) all said they’ll vote in favor while Rep. Sue Kelly (Katonah) said she’s undecided.
The split among Democrats could be especially delicate because all four “no” votes came from black and Latino lawmakers.
“Saddam is as bad as the president says but I don’t think an invasion of Iraq would help,” said Rep. Major Owens (D-Brooklyn). Also opposed are Reps. Gregory Meeks (Qns.), Charles Rangel (Manhattan) and José Serrano (Bronx).
But Rep. Anthony Weiner (Brooklyn) said he’s leaning in favor, adding: “I believe I’m one of a group of liberals who Sept. 11 did change.”
Democrats Carolyn McCarthy (L.I.) and Steve Israel (L.I.) said they will vote yes and Reps. Eliot Engel (Bronx) and Gary Ackerman (L.I.) said they’re leaning in favor.
Five other Democrats are undecided: Reps. Joe Crowley (Queens), Jerry Nadler (Manhattan), Nydia Velazquez (Brooklyn), Carolyn Maloney (Manhattan) and Nita Lowey (Westchester).