BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Local Republicans lashed out at a Democratic resolution in opposition to President George W. Bush's plan to increase the number of troops in Iraq.

During last night's Lincoln Day Dinner, U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, along with Chief Deputy Republican House Whip Eric Cantor, discussed the war in Iraq, and a Democrat-sponsored resolution against Bush's troop surge.

Both men criticized House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and fellow Democrats for pushing the agenda and told the crowd that while Democrats support the troops, they root against victory in Iraq.

"It's one thing that should not be partisan," said McCarthy. "We need to put men and women ahead of politics, but Democrats are trying to make it a political battle."

Several anti-war groups will protest outside McCarthy's Bakersfield office Thursday morning. Similar protests will take place across the nation.