Joe Wilson: “having served as poll manager, poll watcher, county election commissioner, State ballot security coordinator, campaign…”

“having served as poll manager, poll watcher, county election commissioner, State ballot security coordinator, campaign manager, and candidate, I know firsthand the challenges of free elections. In our developed democracy, we are confronted with serious problems of securing polling locations, recruiting poll workers, printing intelligible ballots, finding dedicated managers, providing current poll lists. The challenges are endless, but unlike Iraqi voters, we have rarely been asked to brave bullets, bombs, and terrorist thugs on our way to the polls. The millions of Iraqi voters are to be commended for their bravery. I also credit the Iraqi security forces, American servicemembers, and coalition troops for securing the over-5,000 polling sites across the nation. The success of Sunday's election is a tangible fulfillment of the vision of President George W. Bush and proves that democracy abroad is the best way to protect American families at home. Terrorist extremists cannot and will not survive in free nations. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.”