Rumsfeld (a** on the line) writes to Democrats [View All]

[ProSense]

Rumsfeld Reaches Out to Democrats

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld Calls on Democrats for 'Constructive' Debate on Iraq
By ANNE PLUMMER
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld reached out to Democrats late Friday, opening up the door for them to retract their stinging indictment of him as Pentagon chief.

In a letter to Congress's top Democrats, Rumsfeld said recent remarks he made during a speech in Salt Lake City were misrepresented by the media, including by the Associated Press. Rumsfeld said he was "concerned" by the reaction of Democrats, many of whom called for his resignation and said he was treading on dangerous territory.

"I know you agree that with America under attack and U.S. troops in the field, our national debate on this should be constructive," Rumsfeld wrote Friday.

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Democrats said Friday they stood by their remarks.

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Senate Democrats were expected to meet Wednesday to discuss several issues, including whether they will try to force a vote of no confidence on Rumsfeld. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., has vowed to push legislation next week calling for Rumsfeld to resign.

"Nothing can change the fact that Secretary Rumsfeld insulted the patriotism of the American people, and he needs to be held accountable for it," Boxer said Friday.

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2386137&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312