U.S. Representative Ben Chandler is calling for troop withdrawals from Iraq starting right away, but says any policy change is unlikely until a new president takes office.

The central Kentucky Democrat says a troop surge has improved conditions in Iraq and says the Iraqi government should stand on its own.

Chandler made the comments after his first trip through Iraq over the weekend.

Jon Larson is Chandler's Republican opponent in the upcoming 6th District Election.

He's urging more patience with the Iraqi government and says Chandler's suggestion sounds risky.