Four United States governors visiting troops in Iraq

Four United States governors visiting troops in Iraq

Vermont's Jim Douglas and three other governors were in the Middle East Tuesday as part of a Pentagon program to let state leaders see their guard members in action, Vermont officials said.

The trip was kept secret for security reasons, said Douglas spokesman Jason Gibbs.

Douglas was traveling in Kuwait and Iraq with fellow Republican Kenny Guinn of Nevada and Democrats Timothy Kaine of Virginia and Phil Bredesen of Tennessee , Gibbs said. Bredesen's office confirmed Tuesday that he was part of the group.

Douglas left for Iraq Sunday night, a day after speaking at the funeral of Army Spc. Christopher S. Merchant, 32, who died March 1 after an attack on his vehicle in Ramadi. On Tuesday, Douglas visited the Ramadi region, Gibbs said, reports the AP.

D.M.