Asked about one of the most divisive issues facing the U.S. Congress, most of the candidates for the U.S. House seat in the 2nd Congressional District reflected their parties' stances on the Iraq war.

Six of the eight prominent Democratic primary candidates queried called for withdrawal plans and time lines, the other two called for withdrawal as soon as it is "safe" or "practicable," while the two Republicans defended the United States' continued presence in the war-torn nation.

The most clearly stated positions from Democratic candidates fell in line with the stance taken by top congressional Democrats who last week called on President Bush to begin pulling troops out of Iraq by the end of the year.

State Rep. Brian Schatz and state Rep. Gary Hooser both called for withdrawal to begin immediately.

"The war hurts America and costs $250 million per day," Schatz said, adding his argument that reducing the number of troops would help stabilize the area.

Hooser also called for an end to U.S. occupation. "Stabilization must be led by the Iraqis with international support," he said.

State Sen. Colleen Hanabusa said "the safety of our troops is paramount" and the United States should withdraw by the end of 2007.

The other Democrats called for putting plans in place, establishing time lines for withdrawal or giving the Iraqis the responsibility for self-governance, except for former Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono, who said, "We should bring our troops home as soon as it can be done safely."

On the other hand, the two Republicans — state Sen. Bob Hogue and former state Rep. Quentin Kawananakoa — both said the United States should continue in its efforts to put a stable government in place in Iraq.

Republicans in Washington have similarly resisted setting a timetable for withdrawal.

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.