Governor Perry sees improvement on the ground in Iraq during his visit.

The is the second such trip to Iraq since 2006 for Governor Rick Perry who said he can see plenty of improvement since his first go round.

"What we've seen is a great change in this country since I was here before. We see a lot of people in the inner city moving around -which we did not see before. A lot of people with their families," Perry said from Iraq during a break in his travels. The trip is hosted by the U.S. Defense Department, and Perry is accompanied by New Jersey Governor John Corzine and Washington Governor Christine Gregoire.

Another big change the Governor said he sees is in how democracy seems to be taking root with the Iraqi people.

"A big election is coming up later in the year here-and there's big excitement. If my memory is correct here, 17,000 different candidates for 400 slots," Perry said.

Also important to Governor Perry is thanking some 38-hundred Texas National Guard troops who are on duty in Iraq.

"My message to them is how proud 23 million plus Texans are of them. We're going to keep Texas in good shape economically and otherwise-so that when they get home it will be a good show for them," Perry said.
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