South Carolina National Guard troops working under harsh conditions in Iraq were undoubtedly happy Wednesday to see Gov. Mark Sanford bringing a message of support and encouragement from their fellow South Carolinians. Sanford made an unannounced 36-hour trip to Iraq with two other Republican governors.

The three were guests of the Defense and State departments. Sanford visited the 122nd Engineer Company and the 111th Signal Battalion, with units from several regions of the state. He noted the high morale of the troops and their "remarkable personal sacrifice" in heat that can reach up to 130 degrees.

Cynics may see political motivations in the visit by Sanford, who's seeking re-election. But a spokesman for Sanford's political rival, Sen. Tommy Moore, expressed a generous and appropriate assessment: "Any action that's taken to send the message to our troops that they have support back home is a good thing."