U.S. Rep. Laura Richardson said in a statement that she is not ready to endorse President Obama's proposal to increase the presence of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The Long Beach Democrat plans to visit Afghanistan on a fact-finding mission that she says will help her make up her mind.
"As I am scheduled to visit Afghanistan later this week, I will take full advantage of briefings and the opportunity to meet with all parties responsible for implementing this plan on the ground," Richardson said. "So I will reserve judgment regarding the president's position, giving me the opportunity to make the most informed decision possible. Tonight (Tuesday), as one of the 435 votes the President needs to pass his plan, he has not secured my vote yet."
Obama wants a 30,000-troop increase by Christmas.
Richardson, who identifies as centrist or New Democrat, has generally supported Obama on major issues, including health-care reform, but did not endorse him in the Democratic primary for president. She supported Hillary Clinton in the primary and then backed Obama in the General Election.
Richardson represents the 37th Congressional District, which includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill. She is seeking reelection in 2010.
