Coleman defends Iraq plan in Senate debate

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., argued for a cautious U.S. withdrawal from Iraq and energy independence as a way of curbing Iranian ambitions in the region.

Coleman fought off allegations during Saturday night's Senate campaign debate that he bore responsibility for the controversial $700 billion Wall Street rescue plan and for the supposed mistake the United States made invading Iraq.

Coleman responded to DFL challenger Al Franken and Dean Barkley of the Independence Party by rejecting the idea of a rapid pullout.

"Let's not give up on the success that we've made," Coleman said. "We want to get out as quickly as possible without losing the gains that we've made."

Coleman also called energy independence a way to not only boost the U.S. economy but to avoid potential future entanglements in the Middle East as well.

"You want to slow down Iran? Let's get energy independent," Coleman said.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Sunday that Saturday's debate came shortly after the three candidates had pledged not to engage in negative advertising in the home stretch of the close race.