The Republican leadership of the House of Representatives has scheduled a vote for this evening on a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq, in line with the call for exactly that from Rep. Murtha yesterday. From the WaPo:

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans maneuvered for swift and overwhelming rejection Friday of a Democratic lawmaker's call for U.S. troops to be pulled out of Iraq.

Furious, Democrats accused the GOP of orchestrating a political stunt by leaving little time for debate and by taking the heart out of the resolution offered by Rep. John Murtha of Pennsylvania.

For those reasons, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sent word to the rank-and-file to vote _ with the Republicans _ against immediate withdrawal of American troops.

"We want to make sure that we support our troops that are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "We will not retreat."

Democrats went to the House floor to denounce the quick vote before Congress leaves Washington for two weeks.

"This is a personal attack on one of the best members, one of the most respected members of this House and it is outrageous," said Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, responded: "This is not a stunt. This is not an attack on an individual. This is a legitimate question."

It's clear the Democrats do not want to take a stand on this question. They spent yesterday telling us how courageous Murka was in making his plea for withdrawal. So let them go on the record. It's easy for them to sit on the sidelines and carp. It's time to put up or shut up - are they for retreat, or victory?

More from Brian Maloney, guest blogging for Michelle Malkin

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Dem congressman raises white flag, MSM salutes