SEATTLE -- After 24 hours of intense speculation, we now know where Gov. Chris Gregoire is. She's visiting troops in Iraq.

For security reasons, KIRO 7 held off reporting her trip overseas -- a trip that has been swirling with rumors because she started her journey in Washington, D.C.

"These invitations don't come often," Gregoire told KIRO 7 anchor Chris Egert during a satellite interview Tuesday morning. "I've been waiting to have an invitation now for a couple of years." See complete interview

There was some thought that perhaps Gregoire would be tapped for a position on President-Elect Obama's cabinet. In fact, Fox News reported Tuesday morning that Gregoire would be named as Obama's new choice for Secretary of Commerce.

"You are sure you aren't taking a job with Barak Obama's cabinet?" Egert asked.

"I am not," Gregoire responded. "I have indicated to the president-elect's administration, but I have indicated that there's nothing I won't do to help them be successful. And I think that means me serving as the Governor of the state of Washington."

Asked about the timing of the trip, considering the lack of a decision on Seattle's Alaskan Way Viaduct, and the state's jaw-dropping budget deficit, Gregoire said she's giving both matters the utmost attention -

She said she found out a few days ago she'd be able to go to Iraq. Even though the timing wasn't great, she had no other choice but to take the trip now.

Gregoire left Sunday for Washington, D.C., where she had a briefing with Pentagon officials, including Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, before flying to Iraq on Monday with fellow Govs. Jon Corzine of New Jersey and Rick Perry of Texas.

In Iraq, Gregoire and the delegation met with U.S. service members, senior military and public officials. She had lunch with one National Guard unit, had dinner with another, and held a town-hall-style meeting with a third, she said.

"Every one of these individuals, I want you to know, could not be more proud," she said. "The morale is high."

She said her trip was prompted by a promise she made at a farewell ceremony for the Washington Army National Guard troops in Yakima as they left for Iraq in August.

There are about 2,500 members of the Washington National Guard serving in Iraq -- 2,400 of them with the 81st Brigade, expected to return in July.

Gregoire is due back in the state Thursday night.