Via Capitol Fax, it looks like there was more to that AP interview with Marty Ozinga than originally reported:
A religious man and self-described "conservative person," Ozinga said he's influenced by his faith. He calls himself a "strong pro-life person."
"My life, both in work and in community and in my family, is all based on a simple philosophical foundation that I exist first of all to honor and glorify God and then secondly to serve the crown of his creation which is our fellow man," Ozinga said. [...]
On the issues, Ozinga said he opposes raising taxes and supports President Bush's tax cuts. With motorists besieged by skyrocketing gasoline prices, Ozinga said the country needs to work hard at promoting the research and development of alternative energy sources, everything from nuclear power to clean coal technology.
He calls the Iraq war "a frustration and a disappointment that we've been there for so long." He said there needs to be timelines for the Iraqi government to show improvement, but not timetables for what the American military does in that country.
"I would bring the troops home when we win, meaning when we accomplish our ... goals," Ozinga said, adding he would rely on the advice of military commanders there.
In subsequent interviews, I hope reporters will ask him what specific "goals" must be met in Iraq for us to have officially "won." After all, it is the policymakers -- not the generals on the ground -- who set those goals. And would Ozinga agree that one of the primary objectives of President Bush's so-called "surge" strategy -- political reconciliation -- has not been met to date?
I'd also be curious how long Ozinga is willing to wait for the goals in question to be met in Iraq. One more year? Five more? Ten?
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