Progress Illinois

In a Democratic radio address that aired nationally this morning, Rep. Bill Foster touched on a variety of issues. Most notably, he took a cue from Barack Obama and made an economic argument against continuing the Iraq war:

Democrats have a plan to extend essential tax credits that will support the production and use of renewable energy, like ethanol. Unfortunately, President Bush opposes this plan and is instead working to protect taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies. These companies are making record profits — and they don't need handouts from the taxpayer.

Passing this legislation is critical, but achieving energy independence will be virtually impossible if the war in Iraq continues with no end in sight. We have now spent more on the war in Iraq than has been invested on energy research in the history of our country.

Moving our economy forward and making our nation energy independent will be difficult if we continue a war with no idea how to pay for it and no idea how to end it.

As Steve Benen noted after Obama's recent speech on the economy, linking the expense of the war to the country's economic woes is "both good policy and good politics — it helps make these costs personal." I'd have to agree.

You can read Foster's entire address here.