ST. PAUL (AP) - Gov. Tim Pawlenty is on another hush-hush trip to Iraq.
Pawlenty's office said Friday he is part of a delegation led by U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. The trip was kept quiet until the delegation had left, and few details about it were released.
Two years ago, the Republican governor quietly traveled to Iraq with a handful of governors, announcing the trip only after they had landed.
In a news release, Pawlenty said he wanted to take this trip to get a look at the challenges and conditions Minnesota soldiers are about to face. Some 2,600 National Guard from Minnesota soldiers are headed to the Middle East over the next few weeks.
"While different opinions exist regarding the war, we should all fully support our warriors," he said. "Their willingness to serve our country is inspiring. I'm looking forward to meeting Minnesotans serving in Iraq, as well as military, Iraqi and other Middle Eastern leaders during my visit."
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While last in Iraq, Pawlenty got an up-close look at the region's security concerns. Gunfire was spotted in the area surrounding his plane and there was tracer fire as their plane made its way down the runway for a trip out of Baghdad.
