"I think the president did the right thing sending more troops in to train Iraqis," Sullivan told the Downtown Lions Club.

"But he sold it as a surge, like everybody was going to surge in, kick down the door and run out and win," he said. "What it really has been is a buildup over time. Then a month ago they said we're now at the starting line. The president needs to do a better job explaining himself."

Sullivan said he will "weigh heavily" a report on the operation due next month, but in any event, he opposes immediate withdrawal.

"Immediate withdrawal is absolutely wrong," he said. "I think there will be some kind of phased withdrawal over a period of time."

Sullivan also panned the energy bill that was passed by the House last week.

"It didn't do anything," he said. "It's an energy bill that had no energy bill in it.

"The bill contained some efficiencies for appliances you use in your home and light bulbs," he said. "It had nothing to do with spurring domestic production or encouraging alternative fuels -- any of those things we need to lessen our dependence on foreign oil."

As he has in the past, Sullivan called for the development of energy reserves in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as new energy technologies.

In answer to a question from an audience member, Sullivan said he believes that most major energy companies are beginning to embrace these new sources.

"They have resisted in the past," he said. "Take a look at Exxon Mobil. They took the position that global warming isn't happening. Now they're saying it's happening and we need to work for a sensible solution."

Two members of the audience tried to draw Sullivan into discussing possible impeachment of Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, but the three-term Republican refused to respond.

Randy Krehbiel 581-8365
randy.krehbiel@tulsaworld.com