Iraq terrorists to the U.S. McCain predicts

GREENVILLE, S.C. Ð Republican presidential contender John McCain predicated Thursday as the Senate prepared to vote on a timetable for withdrawal from Iraq that terrorists Òwill follow us home.Ó

McCain, who was campaigning in this early voting state and didn't plan to vote on the bill containing the withdrawal timetable, said the consequences of withdrawal would be severe.

ÒIf we leave Iraq there will be chaos, there will be genocide, and they will follow us home,Ó the Arizona senator said, calling the war against al-Qaeda Òa struggle between good and evil.Ó

On Wednesday, the House brushed aside a veto threat and passed legislation that would order President Bush to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq by Oct. 1.

As the furor grows over the firings of eight federal prosecutors, McCain also broke with President Bush, saying that Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should leave office.

ÒHis best loyalty to the president would be served by stepping down,Ó McCain said during a morning campaign stop.