Pawlenty is in Iraq
Governor Pawlenty is in Iraq today visiting troops in the region. He's making the trip along with several other governors from Vermont, Missouri, South Dakota and Massachusetts.
During a conference call with reporters, Pawlenty said dramatic progress has been made since the U.S. sent more troops to the region as a part of the so-called surge.
Pawlenty couldn't provide any other details from the trip and couldn't say when he'll return to Minnesota.
This is Pawlenty's fifth visit to the Middle East. He last visited the region in July of 2009. The governor says he kept the trip private for security reasons.
Pawlenty will finish his second term in January. The governor has kept a heavy travel schedule since he announced last year that he won't seek a third term. He's visited 26 states, seven different countries and Washington D.C. He's also scheduled to go on a Trade Mission to Japan and China in September.
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