Gregoire has experience, vision to be governor
Thursday, October 28, 2004 7:28 AM PDT
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E-mail this articlePolitical sages in the other Washington are calling this state's gubernatorial race a tossup between Democrat Christine Gregoire and Republican Dino Rossi. It wouldn't surprise us if that's the case.
Gregoire and Rossi are appealing candidates with strong credentials. They've been campaigning without letup for months now and, during that time, each has demonstrated the character, intelligence and determination required to lead this state.
Gregoire emerges as the stronger, more pragmatic leader. She is our choice for Washington's next governor.
Gregoire has a long and distinguished record of public service. She served as director of state Department of Ecology from 1988 to 1992, negotiating the tri-party agreement that obligated the federal government to clean up the radioactive waste at Hanford nuclear reservation in eastern Washington.
In 1992, Gregoire became the first woman elected to serve as the state's attorney general. Both the high and low points of her 12-year tenure in that office came late in her second term.
Gregoire spearheaded negotiations that led to the landmark $206 billion settlement between 46 states and tobacco companies. Her leading role in the negotiations will earn Washington an additional $500 million over the next 16 years, bringing the state's total award to $4.5 billion.
Then, in 2000, Gregoire's staff missed a filing deadline for an appeal of an $18 million judgment, leaving the state and its insurer with no alternative but to pay. It was a dramatic misstep in an otherwise stellar record. Voters put it in context, and returned her to the office for a third term later that same year.
Gregoire ranks among the strongest and most active attorneys general in Washington history. She's shown herself to be a tough negotiator and effective problem-solver. Her long experience in one of the more challenging jobs Washington government has to offer would serve the state well in the governor's office, no doubt.
But Gregoire also articulates a vision for the state that should appeal to all Washingtonians. It, in fact, is more of a well-thought-out plan to grow jobs and the economy, strengthen education and make health care more affordable for both individuals and the state.
Gregoire has the know-how and vision to lead this state in the right direction. The Daily News endorses her election as governor.
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