LINCOLN, Neb. – A federal judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit filed by a former congressman alleging that President Bush violated the 1973 War Powers Act by attacking Iraq.

Former Rep. Clair Callan had no legal standing to file the court action and failed to show that he would be personally injured by Bush’s actions, U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf ruled.

The judge also said the issues raised involved foreign policy and military decisions that are outside the jurisdiction of the judicial branch.

Callan, 82, said he might appeal.

“All I ever wanted, and all I want right now, is that this president or any other president cannot preemptively strike another nation,” he said.

The Nebraska Democrat, who served in the House from 1965 to 1967, also has said he filed the suit because he was troubled by his own reluctance to oppose the Vietnam War while he was in Congress.