We now know that Virginia Governor Kaine secretly flew to Iraq with three other governors to visit troops from their respective National Guards currently stationed there. Governor Kaine traveled with fellow Democrat Governor Phil Bredensen of Tennessee as well as two Republican Governors - Jim Douglas of Vermont and Kenny Guinn of Nevada. Kaine took with him several Virginia flags which had flown over the capitol in Richmond to give to troops from Virginia who are stationed in Iraq. During his visit, Gov. Kaine met with our troops in the field and in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad. Kaine visited troops in Afghanistan today, and will return to Virginia on Friday. By the way, since October 2003, 72 Virginians have been killed in Iraq. Click here for a roster of those slain, listed by their state.
[UPDATE by Lowell: On a somewhat lighter note, you gotta love this story. Tim Kaine goes to Iraq, and what does he do? According to Michael Shear of the Washington Post:
Political junkies will be happy to know Kaine said he spent some time stumping for his budget in Iraq. "I've talked a little bit about the you know, the legislative session," he told reporters. "The fact that in Virginia we've had this challenge of the number of guardsmen... dropping, and that part of my budget is a reenlisment bonus for guardsmen, and that is frankly hung up because of the budget debate. "Kaine has proposed a $2,000 bonus for guardsmen who reenlist, starting April 1. But until the state has a budget, there are no bonuses. "The failure of the legislature to get a budget deal jeopardizes the timing of that," he said.
Campaigning for his budget from Iraq. Now THAT is dedication!]