Gregoire visits National Guard troops in Iraq

Published 7:47 am Tuesday, January 6, 2009

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire’s whereabouts are no longer a mystery.

She went to Iraq and met with members of the Washington National Guard members serving in the 81st Brigade.

Gregoire made the trip along with New Jersey Gov. John Corzine and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, according to a release issued by her office this morning.

While there, the governors also met senior military and public officials. Prior to leaving, Gregoire and the delegation met with Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, according to the press release.

In making the trip, Gregoire said she was keeping a promise made last August in Yakima at a send-off ceremony for Army National Guard troops.

“I promised I would visit them and it is with great humility that I acknowledge their critical service for our state and our country,” Gregoire said in the statement.

“These servicemen and -women show the utmost courage and strength as they face unimaginable circumstances each day. On behalf of all Washingtonians, I thank the troops, as well as their families at home, for their great sacrifice.”

The release does not say when the governor will return to the state.

Her trip created quite a guessing game Monday.

Gregoire was scheduled to speak to reporters in Olympia this morning but canceled. Her office didn’t give a reason, saying only she departed for Washington D.C. on Sunday.

Her disappearing act set of a swirl of speculation on whether she might be named to a post in President-elect Obama’s administration or picking up a check for fixing the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Reporter Jerry Cornfield: (360) 352-8623 or jcornfield@heraldnet.com