John Warner to Bush: Consult with Democrats

The elder Republican statesman is demanding that before the President reaches a decision about future policy in Iraq, he first needs to consult with both parties:

"After the President has had the opportunity to review these important reports, I respectfully recommend that he privately consult with the bipartisan leadership of the new Congress before making his final decisions," Warner said.

Warner later adds: "To me, this fulfills the moral obligation that our government has to the brave men and women of the armed forces and their families, who have sacrificed so very, very much in this fight for freedom," Warner said.

It depends what you mean by "consult."  If it means holding a fun-looking photo-op, like the one he held with Pelosi after the election, then you bet he will.  But in terms of actually taking the Democrats advice, I doubt that would happen.

John Warner (R-VA) is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services.  Because of the Democratic victories in November, he will be handing over the chairmanship to Carl Levin (D-MI).