[GoodCallYouWin]

Democrats have picked an unlikely ally in efforts to end the Iraq War. Or maybe it’s the ally who has chosen them.


But either way, it appears maverick conservative Republican *— and presidential contender — Ron Paul of Texas, will be getting plenty of help from anti-war Democrats on his proposal (HR 2605) to repeal President Bush’s authority to use force in Iraq within six months.

Democrats find it strange that Paul, who sounds like his GOP colleagues on a lot of other issues — like his staunch opposition to tax increases, for instance — would speak against Democrats’ timetable for withdrawal from Iraq (HR 2956). But the truth is, Paul prefers a tougher approach — an immediate withdrawal, which he believes would happen once the president’s authority to wage war has been revoked.

“It’s a good proposal,” says John Hall, D-N.Y., one of 19 Democratic cosponsors.

At least one other presidential contender agrees. Democratic liberal Dennis J. Kucinich of Ohio has signed on as a cosponsor, too.

Could this be the beginning of a conservative-liberal presidential ticket?

Not likely, according to Bruce Fein, Paul’s campaign legal counsel. He says Democrats have latched on to Paul’s measure to inoculate themselves against charges they’re playing partisan politics with the war.

“Allowing a vote on the Paul bill would demonstrate bipartisanship. It’s all about optics,’’ Fein said.

© 2006 Congressional Quarterly