Seven thousand miles away, state Rep. Jim Watson is performing duties that exemplify his seven years in the Illinois House.

And it’s that legislative experience that the Jacksonville Republican draws upon in helping build the provincial government in the Anbar Province of Iraq.

“I can download Illinois state bylaws, show it to the (provincial council) and show them what minutes mean, show them what a (legislative) session is,” Marine Corp Staff Sgt. Watson said Thursday by telephone from his camp near Ramadi.

Americans need to remember, he said, that the Iraqi people are starting from scratch in building a democratic country.

 “They had no true court system. They really had no inkling of democratic institutions,” he said. “Anything with institution was tapped down because they were told what to do.”

It’s a challenge U.S. forces face in rebuilding a fragmented country but it’s overcoming that obstacle that will allow U.S. forces to leave a stable country. “That’s how we get out of here,” Rep. Watson said. “Everyone wants to know when we can leave. It’s when the Iraqis can do all this themselves.”

Months into his 270-day tour in Iraq, the 97th district representative said he has seen progress in Iraq despite the obstacles. “I want to see the people of Iraq make (democracy) work, to ensure what they endured through matters,” he said.

 The Jacksonville Republican deployed in February to Iraq with the 3rd Civil Affairs Group. In rebuilding Iraq’s infrastructure and government, one likely would try to find comparisons to Rep. Watson’s stateside duties.

Governance in the Anbar Province capitol of Ramadi is a stark contrast to that in Springfield. “You go into a typical (Iraqi) council session, and they do not take attendance,” Rep. Watson said. “They just started doing an agenda. They do not have a standing order of business, like in the (Illinois) House. It’s a show of hand. They don’t record how each council member votes or tally votes.”

“All these little things we take for granted — we’re helping them build from scratch,” he said.

His collaborators, instead of fellow state legislators, now are his fellow officers and service men and women.

“Most of the people here, the knowledge, the intellect is beyond what most people would imagine,” he said. “Officers are well-read, well-schooled. They are sharp, sharp people.”

Much has changed since Rep. Watson, 42, served in Operation Desert Storm, the first war in Iraq in 1990. “One thing, in Desert Storm, I was much younger. This is kind of a young person’s game, so to speak.”  From a physical standpoint, it was easier then, he said

The established U.S. presence also allows forces to seek shelter at night. “We didn’t have any set base (during Desert Storm),” he said. “We lived in holes in the ground. There were no amenities.”

More signicantly, this mission is driven by “our hearts and minds” rather than an all-out offensive in geography, he said.

Rep. Watson is also quick to praise the “hearts and minds” of his fellow soldiers.

“The reason (he) gets more attention is that not too many politicians (are serving in Iraq),” he said. “All the soldiers, Marines, airmen — they’re all doing good things here. I’m not sure they get the attention or praise they deserve.”

Rep. Watson said he reflects on the sacrifice U.S. men and women undertake in Iraq. “There is an 18- or 20-year-old at a security checkpoint. The position he is put in with incoming vehicles, there is 10, 15 seconds to make a decision if there’s a threat or not. A lot of his peers are in college, living the good life,” he said.

“It’s important what we’re doing here,” Rep. Watson added.

The father of three said the technological upgrades since Desert Storm also make frequent communication back home easier.

“Technology is night and day,” he said. “Back in Desert Storm, we had MARS grams, like a ham radio.” Now, e-mail cafes and phone banks are fixtures in U.S. camps in Iraq.

“I check e-mail every day and I send e-mail to my kids,” he said. The sitting Illinois legislator also said he receives continuous communication on developments in Springfield.

“Every day, there’s some kind of contact, be it e-mail or phone, with the office,” he said. “Also with Springfield, I have a lot of contact there. My office forwards me certain pieces of legislation.” Rep. Watson said his e-mail inbox is also flooded with messages from Ill. Deputy Republican Leader Bill Black, Illinois House Republican Leader Tom Cross and  Reps. Ron Stephens and Bill Mitchell, who have been instrumental in meeting with his 97th District constituents.

Mr. Watson’s tour will likely end in the fall, where he is up for re-election come November. The race is so far uncontested.

“I don’t know when the (end) date is,” he said. “I know my last day for active duty could be some day in October.”

Rep. Watson re-enlisted in the Marine Reserves last May and announced in January that he was being deployed to Iraq with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He said his motivation and commitment have never waned.

“No, no,” he said when asked if he regretted re-enlisting almost one year ago. “Anybody would be lying if they didn’t say you’re tired and you miss certain things about being home. I think we’re doing good work here.”