Petraeus and Odierno nomination reactions
By The Associated Press, Associated Press
Some reactions to the expected nomination of Gen. David Petraeus as the next commander of the U.S. Central Command and Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno to replace Petraeus in Baghdad.
"The next Centcom commander and field commander in Iraq will have to help the next president with a number of critically important challenges: making America more secure, restoring America's power and influence in the world, fixing our costly strategy in Iraq, and articulating a more effective strategy for winning in Afghanistan and defeating Al Qaeda in Pakistan." Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
"Gen. Petraeus will now bring the consummate skill and experience he has developed over a lifetime in uniform to the significant task of guarding our national security interest in a challenging and vital region." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
"There is no doubt in my mind that Gen. Petraeus and Gen. Odierno are the absolute best men to take on these two critically important assignments." Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn.
"I have great respect for General Petraeus and the job he has done in Iraq. But if confirmed, Gen. Petraeus' mission will no longer be just Iraq, it will be the entire region, including the Afghanistan-Pakistan border area where those who actually attacked us on 9-11 have regrouped ... and where we do not have enough troops because of Iraq." Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"I applaud the defense secretary's selection of such fine men to lead our forces. Gen. Petraeus and Gen. Odierno implemented the current strategy in Iraq that has given our forces the forward momentum there, and I am certain that Gen. Odierno will continue that progress." Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.
"This is the right move at the right time. No one understands the situation in Iraq better than these two gentlemen. A great trust and unity of purpose has developed between them, and it is imperative that we leverage their shared expertise to capitalize on our post-surge successes." Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla.
"Dave Petraeus has exhibited superb leadership in turning around the situation in Iraq. ... As the former commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, Ray Odierno clearly understands the broad picture." Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif.
"Tennesseans know General Petraeus as the commander of the 101st Airborne Division and as a patriot. He has put us on a new path toward a successful and honorable end to the Iraq war." Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.
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