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* Rep. Watson is safely back in the states…

Representative Jim Watson is back from Iraq. Watson tells supporters in an e-mail today that he returned to the US last weekend. The Jacksonville Republican is currently in California at Camp Pendleton, where he says he’ll go through standard demobilization and release from active duty.

Watson enlisted in the Marine Reserves in May 2007 and was called to active duty in January of this year. He served in Fallujah over the course of his deployment from February to earlier this month, as part of the Marine Expeditionary Force dealing with government and tribal structures. His deployment could last no more than nine months as a sitting legislator.

Watson says he’s unsure at this point of the exact date of his return to Illinois. The 97th District Representative thanks those who’ve supported him through the process, and says he looks forward to returning to the House floor. Watson is unopposed in his bid for re-election this fall.

Welcome home, Jim.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:28 pm

Comments

Rep. Watson, welcome home and thank you for your service.

Comment by Dan S. a Voter and Cubs Fan Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:38 pm
Thank you and welcome home.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:46 pm
Welcome home Jim. After you get caught up with your family and friends, we can always use a hero back in Springfield.

Comment by Rep. John Fritchey Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:49 pm
Thank you for your incredible service, Representative Watson. You have been a real hero at a time when we are lacking leaders.

Comment by Black Ivy Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:54 pm
Fallujah was excellent experience for what we will need for you to do here.

Comment by VanillaMan Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 2:57 pm
Welcome back!

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:07 pm
He might make a good VP partner with McCain. Not snark, believe me.

Comment by Captain Flume Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:15 pm
Service to this country knows no political party. Welcome back, and thank you.

Comment by South Side Mike Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:16 pm
Thank you, welcome home, your service is much appreciated.

Comment by Speaking At Will Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:20 pm
Welcome back Jim. You exemplify dedication to country.

Comment by Lee Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:41 pm
Admirable service. Thanks.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:46 pm
Welcome back, Jim. Thank you for your service.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:47 pm
Representative Watson:
Thanks for your service.
Perhaps your combat experience can be applied to another fractious group - the Democrats in Springfield (including Blago on the north side).

Comment by BobW Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 3:48 pm
Thank you for your service.

Tell Tom Cross he should turn the Minority Leader gig over to you. Would be nice to have someone in there who actually knows how to stand up for something.

Comment by GOP'er Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:20 pm
Jim will be back in Jacksonville around the first part of September. It will be good to have him back in the district.

Comment by Fan of the Game Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 4:26 pm
We rejoice that Rep. Watson is safely on American soil. Thank you for your service to our country.

Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 6:00 pm
Your still my hero Jim…. God speed and welcome back we truly missed you!

Comment by Ed Duffy Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 6:16 pm
Welcome home Jim.
Glad you are safe.

Comment by nelly furtado Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 7:13 pm
Welcome home, Jim! Thank you for everything you’ve done–and continue to do–for us. We truly are safer and freer thanks to your amazing efforts and accomplishments.

Let your head hit that pillow each and every night knowing just how many of us are so grateful to you and thrilled to have you back home!

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Aug 20, 08 @ 7:30 pm
Welcome back! Semper Fi.

Comment by Enemy of the State Thursday, Aug 21, 08 @ 7:54 am