STENDER, PANTER, WHELAN: NEW POLL NUMBERS SHOW NEED TO SEND MESSAGE ON IRAQ TO BUSH

(TRENTON) - Citing a new Monmouth University Poll that found widespread disapproval of President Bush's handling of Iraq among New Jersey residents, Assembly members Linda Stender, Michael Panter, and Jim Whelan said the Legislature needs to send a clear message of opposition to Bush's "troop surge" strategy.The Monmouth University Polling Institute today released findings of a new survey that found 74 percent of New Jersey residents disapprove of President Bush's handling of the Iraq situation and 64 percent of residents believe Congress should block funding for more troops.

Stender (D-Union), Panter (D-Monmouth) and Whelan (D-Atlantic) have introduced legislation (AJR-132) that would put the Legislature on record in voicing "overwhelming opposition" to the President's planned troop escalation.

"The latest polls solidify the Legislature's need to send a clear and unequivocal message to President Bush," said Stender. "New Jersey will not allow more brave men and women in uniform to be put at risk while this administration ignores sound military and diplomatic counsel against troop escalation."

"This poll shows that a wide cross-section of New Jersey residents oppose Bush's war," said Panter. "More and more, New Jersey residents are saying they are fed up with the Iraq situation and they want our nation's military personnel taken out of harm's way."

"For nearly four years, we have watched more than 153,000 members of our Armed Forces perform their duty to our country bravely and without complaint," said Whelan. "For nearly four years, we have watched the anxiety of friends and family increase as the level of violence and death toll in Iraq creeps ever higher. We have a duty to help Congress draw a line of opposition and send a message to the President that 'enough is enough.'"