WA: Strategic Vision: Rossi (R) Leads WA by 2%

[Ogre Mage]

Anyways, a Rossi victory this year would certainly be terrible, but nothing bad would necessarily happen. It's just that nothing will happen. The Democrats have large enough majorities in the Legislature to stop any of the crazy things that Rossi wants to do, and strategically the Republicans just don't know how to get things done in the Legislature even if they did get a larger caucus.

My biggest concern State Supreme Court Justice Gerry Alexander.  He turns 75 in 2011 which means that he will have to step down due to the age limitation under state law.  If Rossi wins, he will appoint Alexander's successor and my guess is that BIAW hack John Groen.  I will vomit if he gets on the Court. 

Rossi offers no specifics, just a terrible, divorced from reality transportation plan which seriously underestimates costs and has been lambasted across the state.  He continually offers vague promises about cutting from the general fund without saying specifically what he plans to cut.  He deflects these questions by saying that he doesn't have access to the information that Gov. Gregoire has.

As Mike Naso said...

"I think Greger is...a bitch. I think she stole that election..."

I really hope Rossi wins.

The Republicans are not in any position to be pointing fingers about stolen elections. 

[Ogre Mage]

What's frustrating is Gregoire has been a much better Governor than Gary Locke, who enjoyed high approval ratings.  In fact, I think she has been WA's best Governor since Dan Evans. 

--Since 2005, Gregoire has provided health care coverage to more than 84,000 children with the goal of covering all kids by 2010.

--She has increased education funding by $900 per student at the K-12 level for smaller class sizes, higher teacher pay and to meet math and science standards.

--Gregoire passed the gay anti-discrimination bill after almost 30 years of trying and signed domestic partner legislation.

--Gov. Gregoire created the Puget Sound Partnership to clean up the Puget Sound. The Partnership works with businesses, communities, local elected officials and Tribes.

--Gregoire championed and passed the "Climate Change, Green Jobs bill" to cut greenhouse gas emissions and provide more "green economy" jobs.

--Forbes Magazine recently ranked Washington as one of the Top 3 states to do business.

--During Gregoire's tenure the local economy added 200,000 jobs and WA exports doubled to $66 billion.

--With state funding and Gregoire's support, community colleges and vocation skill centers are expanding and improving buildings.

Most people don't realize all this because her campaign and PR are sh!tty.

[Ogre Mage]

Locke benefited from Gubernatorial opponents who didn't try to hide their their radical right wackiness.  But (unlike Gregoire) he also had strong PR and knew how to campaign.  It is unfortunate but often true that perception can be more important than substance.