Utica, NY - Democrat Mike Arcuri today released the following statement on news of a nuclear test in North Korea.

"North Korea's nuclear test is dangerous and destabilizing, and I support efforts to make North Korea face the consequences of this provocation.

"The threat a nuclear North Korea poses is not new. But rather than dealing with it, the Bush administration chose to invade Iraq in order to eliminate non-existent weapons of mass destruction. Furthermore, with our military forces stretched to the breaking point in Iraq, we are less able to respond to further North Korean actions.

"I believe the U.S. must work as an ally to countries in the region to ensure that North Korea's power is checked.

"This is why we need change in Washington. We need leaders with a clear understanding of the real threats facing our nation and the determination to do everything necessary to meet those threats."