Rep. Joe Rice will have a good excuse for missing a special session if one is called this year: He might be in Baghdad.
Rice, a colonel in the Army Reserve, has been told to be ready to deploy by May 15, only days after the session ends.
The Littleton Democrat said today that there’s a “90 percent” chance he’ll be deployed, “but nothing in the military is certain until you have written orders in hand.
“I will be based out of Baghdad working on the development of and transition to the Iraqi military and police forces,” he said.
If he goes, it will be his fourth trip to Iraq. This tour of duty is expected to last six months.
“I still intend on being in touch during my ‘free time’ by e-mail and phone to work on issues,” Rice said. “So long as this doesn’t interfere with my military duties or give the impression of military involvement in politics, such policy and constituent work is permitted.”
