Specter: No 'blank check' for troop surge

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A leading Senate Republican said Sunday he does not support escalating the U.S. troop presence in Iraq.

Appearing on CNN, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said he was "inclined to support the conclusions" of the commission that suggested earlier this month that the solution to the Iraq war should include talks with Syria and Iran.

Specter said he is "not going to give the president a blank check" on Iraq.

"So far there has not been a plan," said Specter. "When we authorized the use of force on the Senate floor, I raised questions about the number of casualties, what would happen after Saddam was toppled, and there has never been a roadmap to victory."

If there were a roadmap, Specter said, he "would be prepared to listen to what the president has to say about more troops."

"But on this day to the record, I do not see it," he said.