WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The war in Iraq has taken a severe toll on Ohio. Nearly 150 men and women from the state have been killed in action.

Congress is scheduled to debate the war next week, and as NewsCenter 7’s Scott MacFarlane reports, Ohio legislators will be leading the political battle.

In Ohio, which is politically divided, Ohio members of Congress will be fiercely divided during next week’s debate on the war.

The House is expected to formally state its opposition to President George W. Bush’s troop surge plan. Local politician John Boehner call the bill "political theater."

Republicans said they will offer their own legislation, which will support the surge, but requires the Iraqi government to meet certain benchmarks.

Boehner said, “As we get into this debate next week, victory is the only option. Fleeing Iraq will only provide a safe haven for terrorists.”

The Senate is also expected to face off. All eyes are on Sen. George Voinovich, one of a handful of Republicans who opposes Bush’s plan.

Voinovich has not said how he will vote.

However, Ohio’s new Democratic Senator has. Sen. Sherrod Brown said, “The president and too many members of Congress in the House and Senate said, ‘stay the course’ in Iraq.”

Rep. Dave Hobson said, “It is imperative that our U.S. troops begin to transition from combat role to one focused on training.”