Diane Farrell, a Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives

A Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives says the Bush administration has failed in Iraq, and needs to implement a new strategy for the war-torn country.

In her party's weekly radio address Saturday, Diane Farrell says President Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress will not admit past mistakes and are ignoring the advice of military commanders.

Running against embattled Republican incumbent Christopher Shays, Ms. Farrell called for the firing of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.  She said he has implemented a flawed strategy, and has failed the American troops fighting in Iraq.

The Democratic challenger also called on voters to elect Democrats in next month's congressional elections.  She said to do otherwise would send a signal that Mr. Bush's "stay the course" strategy is working.

The battle for control of the U.S. Congress has intensified in recent weeks, with both Republicans and Democrats charging they would do a better job in the fight against terrorism and handling the war in Iraq.

Recent surveys show Democrats will gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the November 7 election.  Political analysts say Republican control of the U.S. Senate also is in doubt.