Derek Dooley, Candidate for Georgia Senator:

Sen. Raphael Warnock:

“Americans have long been weary of forever wars in the Middle East and the painful lessons that should have already been learned.

The Trump administration’s dramatic and deadly escalation in Iran risks yet another sad chapter of decades-long entanglements. Given the lack of a clear plan, it risks increased instability in the region while endangering American troops and harming America’s national security.

A wider regional conflict would not make us safer, it would increase instability and uncertainty at a moment when our focus should be on the pressing problems we face at home.

Let’s be clear: the Iranian regime is brutal and destabilizing. It cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. But the President has not explained why diplomatic talks that were underway this week are no longer viable and diplomacy no longer available. Instead, he has said in word and deed that this is war, a power that the constitution reserves for Congress alone.

The United States of America is a democracy and no President has the right to declare war or to drag the nation into war. Congress should return to session immediately to debate the use of force as is our solemn duty. The American people deserve answers and a voice through their elected representatives.

God bless our troops as they keep their oath. We, the people’s elected representatives must keep ours.

I pray for peace.”

Mayra Rivera-Vázquez, candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s First District:

The reckless decision by Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Iran is deeply irresponsible and dangerous,” said Rivera-Vázquez. “Rather than promoting peace and stability, this escalation threatens more loss of life, destabilizes the region, and puts American service members and American citizens in harm’s way.

Instead of serving as a check on executive overreach, Nancy Mace and the Republican Congress have once again chosen silence and political loyalty over their constitutional responsibility. Congress does not exist to rubber-stamp dangerous decisions — it exists to debate them, to scrutinize them, and to protect the American people.

We should be using every diplomatic tool at our disposal — not resorting to violence that can spiral into a wider conflict. Our priority must be protecting our communities here at home, investing in jobs, healthcare, and education, and avoiding unnecessary wars that cost countless lives and trillions of dollars.

I stand with the majority of Americans who are tired of endless wars. It is time for Congress to assert its constitutional role and ensure that decisions about war and peace are made with transparency, accountability, and the best interests of the American people at heart.”

Gov. Brian Kemp:

Sen. Lindsey Graham:

I just listened to President Trump’s 8 minute speech again, describing what is taking place and urging the Iranian people to seize the moment. His speech will go down in history as the catalyst for the most historic change in the Middle East in a thousand years. I echo President Trump’s call to the Iranian military, IRGC and security forces to lay down their arms. I echo his call to the Iranian people to take back their government. President Trump was right when he said he’s the first president in 47 years to stand with the people of Iran and give them the backing they need. I am confident this operation will be successful and the liberation of the long suffering people of Iran is at hand. From their liberation the path toward peace and prosperity for the region and throughout the world will be long and wide. Again, well done Mr. President.

This story will be updated with more reactions as they are made available. Stick with WTOC for updates.

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