Maine delegation supports Bush

PORTLAND — After President Bush’s televised speech to the nation and to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night, members of Maine’s congressional delegation, including Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell, said they overwhelmingly supported the administration’s efforts in the Persian Gulf.

“The purpose of the address was to demonstrate the broad support in the Congress for the administration’s policy on the Persian Gulf. I believe that purpose was achieved,” said Mitchell.

“We support the president’s decision,” he added, referring to both Democrats and Republicans in Congress.

Rep. Olympia J. Snowe characterized Bush’s speech as “strong and forceful.”

“He presented a cogent, sensible depiction of why we are in the Persian Gulf and what is at stake, and he did so without sugarcoating the situation,” Snowe said.

She praised Bush for his insistence that there be an international effort with substantial military support of American efforts “so that the American people will not bear all the financial burden.”

Rep. Joseph E. Brennan said Bush’s half-hour speech was the best one he has made.

“I commend him in his message. He left no doubts,” said Brennan, a Democrat and former governor who is running for re-election this fall against incumbent John R. McKernan.

“He could not have been any clearer in what he said. I just hope it helps the likes of Saddam Hussein in making a decision to pull out,” Brennan said.

“I commend him on his leadership in getting over 20 other nations involved militarily in the gulf. That took excellent leadership,” he added.

Sen. William S. Cohen, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the president showed “real compassion in explaining why Saddam Hussein cannot digest a neighboring country.”

Cohen praised the president for making it clear to the world that it is not the United States against Iraq, but more than 20 countries against Saddam Hussein who invaded Kuwait on Aug. 2.