The White House Wednesday (April 5, 2006) responded to the symbolic vote by thousands of Wisconsinites who weighed in on the war in Iraq.

By margins overwhelming in some places and narrow in others, voters in 24 of 32 communities approved referendums Tuesday (April 4, 2006) calling for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq.

White House press secretary Scott McClellan was asked about the referendum results. McClellan says all Americans want the troops to come home, but he says most Americans also recognize the importance of succeeding in Iraq as well.

McClellan reiterated President Bush's stance, saying the worst thing America could do is withdraw before the mission is complete. He says that would be retreating, which is exactly what the terrorists want.

Local residents in Wisconsin gathered petition signatures to place the advisory question on the spring election ballot Tuesday.