Iowa governor joins O'Malley in facing criticism for Iraq trip

Maryland's Martin O'Malley is not the only Democratic governor taking flak for his recent trip to Iraq.

Republicans in Iowa have questioned in recent days whether the trip of Gov. Chet Culver, who accompanied O'Malley, was "more about politics than the military," reports Des Moines' KCCI.

"I am the commander in chief of the Iowa National Guard, and I have a duty and obligation to do all I can to support our troops," Culver said at a news conference Tuesday, the station reported.

Over the weekend, former governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), who is gearing up for a rematch with O'Malley, criticized Maryland's governor for leaving the capital during a legislative session.

"I support our troops, whenever I can, wherever I can," O'Malley told reporters upon his return. "I make no apology for that."

The trip was part of a series for governors sponsored by the Pentagon. O'Malley aides have said they did not control the timing, and the Department of Defense covered for the expenses.