Republicans not rushing to support surge

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3:18 p.m.

Republican lawmakers, usually a rooting section for President Bush, will give him a tough audience tonight as he tries to persuade the nation that all is not lost in Iraq and that the U.S. military should send more troops.

"I do not support sending any additional troops," said Sen. Arlen Specter, Pennsylvania Republican. "If we can achieve a victory, it's going to have to be realistic."

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas Republican, said that in the beginning she thought more troops were needed, but "putting more troops in now depends on where they will go and what they will be doing." She added that "it's just too early to tell" whether she will support a surge.

"We haven't heard the president yet," she said.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Nevada Democrat, said Democrats can peel off at least nine Republican senators to sign a resolution against more troops.

The president's speech tonight likely marks his last chance to begin persuading Americans, including leaders within his own party, that U.S. national security is directly tied to what happens in Iraq, senators said.

"The case hasn't been made well enough," said Sen. Joe Lieberman, Connecticut independent, one of the boldest proponents in Congress for sending more U.S. troops to Iraq. "It starts with the president, but we've all got to make the case."

White House spokesman Tony Snow said the president "will not shape policy according to public opinion, but he does understand that it's important to bring the public back to this war and restore public confidence and support for the mission."

Mr. Lieberman supports the plan to send about 25,000 to 30,000 additional troops to Baghdad and to Anbar province. Mr. Bush is expected to announce an increase of about 20,000 tonight.