Indiana Republican congressman to visit Iraq soon

I'd be curious how many of the Democratic Iraq naysayers have traveled to Iraq since Saddam was ousted. It seems to be usually Republicans (yes, I know Joe Lieberman has been there a few times), who make the trip. My own rep in Congress, Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat from Evanston, hasn't made the trip. This particular "expert," called for an immediate withdrawal of our troops last January.

AP reports:

U.S. Rep. Chris Chocola, R-Ind., plans a return trip to Iraq, where he first visited in 2003.

Chocola would not disclose the exact timetable for the trip other than to say it will be soon. He said he hopes to meet with some of the newly elected Iraqi officials and citizens to get their views of the future.

``The Iraqis are embracing the opportunity for democracy pretty vigorously,'' he told the South Bend Tribune.

He said he expects to get a sense of whether Iraq is capable of taking responsibility for their government as U.S. troops withdraw.

``I would not be surprised to see a partial reduction of the troops. I would not be surprised to see it at 100,000 or less number, but when the bulk of the troops come home, I still don't think anybody can say.''

UPDATE 11:30 PM: Illinois Senator Barack Obama will soon visit Iraq.

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