NEWS ADVISORY: Rep. Doris Matsui doesn't support US troops, peace coalition to charge

News Conference Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, January 15, 2007
Contact: Cres Vellucci, Sacramento Coalition to End the War, 916/996-9170

ATTN: Daybook/Assignment Desk

Rep. Doris Matsui doesn't support US troops
in Iraq, and is misleading public, coalition
to charge at Tuesday news conference

SACRAMENTO – Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, is misleading the public
about her support for the war – and even her support for US troops in Iraq,
charged a coalition of community organizations which has held a "peace-in"
inside her office since last Monday.

The coalition of veterans, religious and other community groups has called
a news briefing for TUESDAY, at 9:30 a.m. at the Federal Building at the
12th Floor office of Rep. Matsui, where the "peace-in" will move into Day 6.

The coalition will release a transcript of a news interview of Rep. Matsui
where she appears to mock those calling for a quick return of troops, and
where she suggests she does not – despite other public comments – support
an end to US presence in Iraq.

The five-minute audio file of the interview has disappeared from the
website it was on after Rep. Matsui's staff complained about its presence
late last week. However, a preserved copy of the transcript will be
provided at the news briefing Tuesday.

"We've asked Doris Matsui one thing – her commitment to vote against any
additional funding to the $70 billion already earmarked in 2007 for the
war. She won't do that, and instead mocks our request, and endangers our
troops in Iraq," said George Main, president of Sacramento Veterans for
Peace, a member of Sacramento Coalition to End the War, which is organizing
the "peace-in."

The protest enters Week 2 Tuesday, and is growing. Dozens of people, many
who have never protested before, have joined the action, including
grandmothers, high school students and veterans.