McFadden Backs Air Strikes Against Islamic State

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Republican Senate candidate Mike McFadden says he would vote to give President Barack Obama authorization for expanded air strikes against Islamic State group militants.

McFadden told The Associated Press on Friday that "it's important that we show a united front to the world." The businessman is challenging Democratic Sen. Al Franken in Minnesota.

McFadden says he has been frustrated by Obama's approach so far to stop the group from attempting to gain more territory in Syria and Iraq. But he says he supports what Obama laid out in a speech to the nation this week. Obama's plan includes training and supplying rebels trying to repel the Islamic State group's spread.

McFadden described the groups as barbaric terrorists who need to be stopped. He said he would stop short of permitting ground troops.

Franken was generally supportive of the president's plan in remarks Thursday.