TAMPA, Florida — The Republican Party platform committee rejected a series of amendments to the party's manifesto that would have removed language supportive of a two-state solution in the Middle East.
The draft platform, written by the Romney campaign and committee aides states, "We envision two democratic states," which drew fire from several members of the platform committee.
Three separate amendments to the draft platform were offered and shot down after Sen. Jim Talent, a Romney surrogate who is tasked with ensuring the platform document is in line with Romney's policy proposals, objected to each.
Minnesota delegate Kevin Erickson offered two of the amendments, which would have removed the line, replacing it with tough language on terrorism.
Erickson said he didn't want to pressure the Israeli government by specifying the conditions of an ultimate peace.
"They are the ones that are pressuring the government of Israel," Talent replied, quoting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu twice to demonstrate the Israeli position on a two-state peace.
"If you want to support the policy of the government of Israel, you must defeat these amendments," Talent added as the second amendment went down in flames.
The language faces a final vote before the full Republican Convention next week.