Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following President Bush’s address on Iraq. “I’m pleased the President reinforced the message that we cannot leave Iraq before victory is achieved. As a nation we need to understand Iraq is part of the War on Terror and directly affects our national security. “The President made the case that a vibrant democracy in Iraq is the antidote to terrorism. The establishment of freedom in Iraq will not work with artificial timetables. However, I do believe progress reports on Iraqi troop training and security operations will be helpful as we move forward. “It would be a huge mistake to suggest to the terrorists fighting in Iraq that we will leave the Iraqi people before they have the capacity to protect their infant democracy from the wolves of terrorism. “If we fail in Iraq, it will only embolden the terrorists and be a body blow to those who are fighting and dying for democracy in the region.” #####