Matheson airs his concerns

WASHINGTON — Rep. Jim Matheson said he didn't get a definitive answer, but at least the Bush administration knows the Utah Democrat is concerned about the state of Iraqi soldier training by U.S. troops.

Matheson was one of 18 Democrats that met Wednesday with President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to discuss the war. Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. ambassador to Iraq, and U.S Army Gen. George Casey, commander of the multinational forces in Iraq, attended via satellite.

Matheson said he told the gathering that he wants clearer milestones for Iraqi soldier training. He wants to know what has been working and what has not been working. He said the questions remain open, but as least Bush and his top advisers on the war know what he is looking for.

"I'm glad I went, it helped raise my issues of concern," he said.

Today's Iraqi election is expected to bring in 65 percent to 80 percent participation, Matheson learned at the meeting. He said the 222nd Field Artillery Unit of the Utah National Guard is expected to be in an increasingly tough area as the election goes on.

The White House invited Matheson earlier this week.

"I just got a phone call," Matheson said.

He said he appreciated the meeting and that he "welcomes that type of dialogue."

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