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Governor goes to Iraq, meets troops

CARSON CITY -- Gov. Jim Gibbons, who went to Iraq to meet with Nevadans on duty there and to be briefed by U.S. military officials, said Tuesday he wanted to ensure that the troops know "our entire state is standing behind them."

"They go out there every day. They know the risk they take," Gibbons said of the soldiers, adding, "We all owe them so much for the sacrifice they've made."


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  • Gibbons, who met with more than 100 Nevada National Guard members while in Iraq, also said U.S. troops are "actually now closer to finishing up here and turning this over to the Iraqi forces."

    "It doesn't mean we're going to get finished early, but it does mean that we're now moving in a very positive direction," said Gibbons, speaking from Kuwait to Nevada television reporters via a satellite link.

    About 140 Nevada Army and Air National Guard members are in Iraq, mostly in Camp Bucca in southern Iraq. Most are in the Army Guard's 72nd Military Police Company, made up largely of soldiers based in Henderson. Also in Iraq are members of a Henderson-based 140th Military Police Brigade detachment.

    Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki took over as acting governor on Sunday and will remain in that role until Gibbons returns later this week.

    Gibbons was joined on the trip organized by the Defense Department by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.

    Gibbons previously traveled to Iraq in 2004, while serving in Congress.

    In 2006, then-Gov. Kenny Guinn also made a Pentagon-sponsored trip to Iraq.

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    Report abuse

    Summerlin Res wrote on May 21, 2008 07:00 PM: It is nice that our Gov. went to visit our Troops! How many of you been there to visit? They are over there fighting for our freedoms and any visitor is a welcomed visitor!
    Thank you Mr. Gibbons!


    Report abuse

    Bozo wrote on May 21, 2008 06:15 PM: When you are guilty of something or trying to hide or cover up something, it is always well advised to get away. Or, may be he is going to run for political office in Iraq. I would think upon his return, he should release a statement of his expenses. It is only right that tax payer knows what this trip cost Nevada. Oh DIVORCE can be so dirty. Or, could it be something else.


    Report abuse

    Judy wrote on May 21, 2008 03:30 PM: As a citizen of the state of Nevada I will demand to know WHY the Official Village Idiot of Nevada (VIN) spent my money in order to go to Iraq. I bet if we dig into it far enough there were a few overnighters along the way.


    Report abuse

    rr wrote on May 21, 2008 03:28 PM: Why is this man, as the Governor of Nevada, going to Iraq? Perhaps a special session should be called to talk about this rather than taking away the hard-earned cost of living for state employees. Gee...cutting it from 4% to 2%...I can really see that helping me at the gas pumps when I commute to Carson City every day. Thank you!


    Report abuse

    2zero wrote on May 21, 2008 01:50 PM: I can see it now. Jim will slap on the old flight suit and have a photo taken with a banner saying "Mission Accomplished"!


    Report abuse

    sidewinder wrote on May 21, 2008 12:34 PM: Divorced from reality. The man is a joke.

    This publicity stunt demonstrates 'fiscal discipline'? Both of these Republic governors should have "just said NO!" But, men, such as these, with self respect issues love to be paraded around and kow-towed to. Could we put a bell and a blue ribbon on both of them? This is leadership?

    How many taxpayer dollars (borrowed from China), were used to fly these two governors half way around the world to visit 200 troops? According to commenters yesterday, Gibbons has not been at a goood-bye or welcome back cermoney for out troops since becoming governor! But now, "oh, I'd love to say some wonderful words with MY troops and have some pictures for campaign material come reelection time in 2010."

    What a fraud, what a waste of oil, what a waste of a vote for governor.
    Selfish, selfish, ego-centered man. But Dawn knows all this already.

    These guys are getting paid-off by Washington to shut up about US govt taking state troops. Yep, Gibbons will get wined and dined and our troops get s%^& for healthcare.

    "My governor came to visit me in Iraq and all I got was this head wound!" says a new t-shirt.

    Loser.


    Report abuse

    LOL Gibby is a LOSER wrote on May 21, 2008 12:31 PM: Did Jimbo pay for that trip, you can bet it was us taxpayers that get the bill.

    The stupid worthless Reps. have about destroyed this once great country.

    Put Gibby in jail where he belongs and make room Bush and Cheney.

    What is the Iraq war really about? Well money and oil and it is your money they are spending on this BS lets get filthy rich war.

    Anyone that voted for any of those BOZO's you are getting what you voted for so shut up and take it up the rear like the fool you are!


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    onlyinnevada wrote on May 21, 2008 09:55 AM: Tell him to stop exploiting our troops...when he was in congress he never did. This stinks of a shoddy publicity stunt to try and gain back some credibility/public confidence after the debacle of his 1st year and personal issues like the D-I-V-O-R-C-E. This trip won't soften the blow of KK when he finally takes her "public".

    And tell him to get his sorry butt back to the state and deal with the budget crisis, the hep crisis, etc., etc. Timing is everything...this was not the time Mr. Governor for a publicity junket to Iraq.


    Report abuse

    theo wrote on May 21, 2008 08:49 AM: I'm sure they'd rather see Jim Gibbons than their families.

    This man needs to be impeached.


    Report abuse

    Mike L. wrote on May 21, 2008 06:59 AM: Our taxes were wasted on this? Government is out of control. Get rid of it.


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