Denver, Colorado- Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak today called on Republicans to stop trying to deflect attention from the Bush Administration's failed leadership on the Iraq War by attacking political opponents. Chairwoman Waak issued the following statement:

"Because Republicans know that the American people are losing confidence in President Bush's failure to present the American people a clear plan for victory in Iraq, they are now resorting to typical shop worn distortion tactics to deflect attention from the Administration's failed leadership. Since their latest PR campaign is clearly failing, the Republicans are now cherry-picking Democratic National Committee Chairman Dean's words just like they cherry-picked the pre-war intelligence.

"But Coloradoans know better. They can see through the spin to see the truth about what Dean said: we can only win if the Iraqi people are able to play a greater role in peacekeeping, if the president gives an honest assessment of what's really happening on the ground in Iraq, and if we take responsible measures to get the target off the backs of our troops. Staying the course is not a strategy; it is an excuse for not having a plan.

"We cannot continue to have a permanent commitment to a failed strategy in Iraq. The brave men and women in uniform who are serving our country with honor and distinction deserve better. It is time to change course. Democrats will continue to fight for a plan that's as good as our troops, with clear benchmarks for success."