California Assembly votes to put Iraq pullout measure on ballot

08-27) 17:59 PDT SACRAMENTO, (AP) --
Putting Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a tight political position, the state Assembly voted Monday to place a measure on California's Feb. 5 ballot urging President Bush to immediately withdraw American troops from Iraq.

The 43-32 roll call left the proposal one step from Schwarzenegger's desk. It was sent back to the Senate, which approved a slightly different version of the bill in June.

Final approval by the Senate would send the bill to the Republican governor, who could risk angering members of his own party by signing it and putting it on the presidential primary ballot or veto the bill and draw the wrath of the war's opponents.

The bill, by Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, asks voters if Bush should "achieve the immediate, complete, safe and orderly withdrawal of United States forces" from Iraq.

Schwarzenegger has tried to steer a middle course on the issue, saying he supports the troops and the war on terror but also backs a "timetable for withdrawal."
A spokesman for the governor, Aaron McLear, said Schwarzenegger had not taken a position on the bill.

"We're aware of it," McLear said. "We have not reviewed the final version. We will review it and obviously take a position and take action on it."

The Assembly vote split mainly along party lines, with Democrats arguing that the invasion of Iraq had been a disaster that had cost the United States dearly in lives and dollars.

"If silence equals consent, we cannot remain silent anymore," said Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley. "We need to give the citizens of California a concrete opportunity to express their hopes."

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