Delegation of governors visits troops in Iraq

[unhappycamper]

Delegation of governors visits troops in Iraq
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 6, 2009 12:09:48 EST

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Chris Gregoire is in Iraq this week meeting with National Guard troops from Washington state.

Gregoire left Sunday for Washington, D.C., where she had a briefing with Pentagon officials on Monday, including Defense Secretary Robert Gates. She left for Iraq Monday with a delegation that includes Govs. John Corzine of New Jersey and Rick Perry of Texas.

In Iraq, Gregoire and the delegation met with U.S. service members, senior military and public officials, a news release issued Tuesday by the governor’s office said.

On Monday, Gregoire abruptly canceled a speech set for Tuesday at a pre-legislative session forum sponsored by The Associated Press. Her office refused to say where she was, other than out of state, sparking rumors that she was up for an appointment in the Obama administration. Washington’s Legislature begins its new session next Monday.

Gregoire said her Iraq visit was sparked by a promise she made at a farewell ceremony for the Washington Army National Guard troops in Yakima as they left to Iraq in August.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_governorsiraq_010609/%2e