Washington Gov. Gregoire in Iraq, Not D.C.

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D), whose stealthy moves set off speculation that she’d be named Commerce secretary, has made a secret trip to Iraq.

Gregoire is meeting with troops from Washington, fulfilling a campaign pledge, the Associated Press reports. She traveled there early this week with New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) and Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R).

She had abruptly cancelled a Tuesday appearance in her home state and her office hadn’t disclosed her itinerary. The schedule changes prompted suggestions that President-elect Obama would name her the next Commerce secretary. His first choice, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D), withdrew his name from consideration last weekend amid a federal probe into whether his government was involved in pay-to-play schemes.