Republican lawmaker wants Iraq withdrawal

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., who had supported U.S. George President Bush on the Iraq war, reportedly wants a time frame for a U.S. troop withdrawal.

Facing a tough re-election campaign in Connecticut, Shays, who just completed his 14th trip to Iraq, says the withdrawal could take place next year, reports The Washington Post.

"My view is that it may be that the only way we are able to encourage some political will on the part of Iraqis is to have a timeline for troop withdrawal," Shays was quoted as telling reporters in a conference call from London. "A timeline of when the bulk of heavy lifting is in the hands of the Iraqis."

Shays is chairman of the House Government Reform subcommittee on national security, emerging threats and international relations.

Responding to his comments, Diane Farrell, Shays' Democratic challenger, told the Post, "I think it is unfortunate it took him 14 trips and three years to recognize that Iraq has been in a constant state of turmoil since the day that Baghdad fell."