As reported yesterday, Senator Ron Wyden is demanding answers from Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld on why Oregon National Guard soldiers were told to "walk away" from Iraqis being tortured by individuals associated with the new interim government.

In a two page letter to Rumsfeld (warning: PDF file), Wyden asks for an investigation of the incident and protection against retaliation for the Guard officers who reported the incident.

Reportedly, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (both Democrats) are signing on to Wyden's call for an investigation of the matter.

I contacted Senator Gordon Smith's local Portland office and asked for a statement on the matter. I was referred to the DC office and was told that no statement had yet been issued by the Senator. The very nice gentleman on the phone did tell me that he expected a statement "fairly soon" and that he believed they were "still working on it". I have been promised a phone call from the DC office when more is known.

I also contacted Congressman David Wu's Portland office. I was told that Congressman Wu had not yet issued a statement and she wasn't sure when one would be forthcoming.

I'm especially dissapointed that we've heard nothing from Wu on this. He's a moderate Democrat. He should be on board with asking for an investigation. I've been a Wu supporter and will be voting for him again this cycle (cuz his opponent his a major rightwing nutjob)...but frankly if there was a moderate Republican running..I might consider them after talking with Wu's office. This makes me angry.