In response to solicitation for monetary support

Gov. Howard Dean:

I cannot in good conscience help the Democratic Party while it is unwilling to pursue what is in the U.S. public interest. Our forces in Iraq cannot withdraw or redeploy without consequences in the region that could threaten American lives. A force increase, while it is unpopular, is a desperately needed positive move forward to prevent the illicit international support and exportation of terrorism that could directly threaten U.S. peace and stability. The burden of proof rests with those who say that international terrorism will not haunt the American people if our troops withdraw or redeploy. Therefore, until the Democratic Party is willing to support a sustained force increase that can actually "clear, hold, and build" throughout Iraq, creating a secure environment that is able to accommodate stabilizing organizations, I cannot and will not pledge my help.