While Ruth Summers is mingling with her husband's supporters in his congressional bid, Charlie Summers is in Iraq mingling with national officials.

Summers is pictured with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the conservative forum As Maine Goes. He is holding a mug emblazed with the forum’s logo.

Ruth Summers said her husband traveled with Rice in Iraq for several days. He has also had his photo taken with Gen. David Petraeus, also holding the mug.

The mug dominated the conversation following the Rice photo.

Charlie Summers is a public information officer with the Provincial Reconstruction Team. He accompanied the media covering Rice’s visit.

Ruth Summers said Charlie described Rice as “tinier” in real life, but very pleasant.

He is seeking the Republican nomination for the First Congressional District. He isn’t allowed to campaign while on active duty, however, so his wife is campaigning in his place.

She expects him home next summer.