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Primary points to another close race for governor

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 11:55 PM PDT

By Curt Woodward
The Associated Press

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OLYMPIA — Their spots on the November ballot now secure, Democratic incumbent Chris Gregoire and Republican Dino Rossi enter the homestretch in their bitter rematch for the governor’s mansion.

Round 1 is over. And the fighting’s getting even more intense.

With about a third of the expected ballots counted in Tuesday’s debut “top two” primary, Gregoire had about 48 percent of the vote, and Rossi about 46 percent. That’s a closer race than Democrats would like, particularly after Gregoire’s scant 133-vote victory over Rossi in 2004.

As the leading vote-getters, Gregoire and Rossi will be the only candidates listed on the general election ballot. They immediately began making their cases to voters, with Gregoire claiming momentum and Rossi exulting that he was hot on the incumbent’s heels.

With a hot presidential campaign leading the ticket in November, Gregoire predicted her lead would only grow.

“I expect Barack Obama to win Washington state, and I expect to be his partner as governor, to bring the kind of results we’ve achieved in Washington state all across America,” Gregoire told The Associated Press.

For his part, Rossi said his message of change would resonate with supporters of Obama, who leads in presidential polls here.

“The reality is that less than half the people who are going to show up at the general (election) voted in the primary. The bottom line is this is going to be a sprint to the end,” he told the AP.

The candidates also wasted no time pouncing on each other, each accusing the opponent of low-down, dirty campaign messages that distort the truth.

“It’s clear that Christine Gregoire’s bitter, angry, combative style of campaigning is going to continue. She’s in trouble,” Rossi said.

“I hope they’ve gotten it out of their system and discovered that negative attack ads don’t work,” Gregoire replied. “I think the public has said, ’Stop it.’ Let’s start talking about records, let’s start talking about results.”

Tuesday’s primary was the first head-to-head matchup for Gregoire and Rossi since the 2004 election, in which Gregoire won after three ballot counts and an unsuccessful Republican court challenge.

Gregoire and Rossi never faced serious challengers as the top two candidates. But the primary still posed something of a challenge for Gregoire, who needed a fairly clear first-place finish to soothe any doubts about her prospects for re-election. Votes will continue to be counted in the coming days as late mail-in ballots are tabulated.

The primary, which attracts a smaller, more activist electorate than the general election, is an incomplete tool for predicting how the candidates will fare in November. But both campaigns were watching for signs of where they stand with voters as the campaign enters its final phase.

Both sides sought to downplay the results as primary day approached, but they also told supporters the winnowing election would be a key marker of momentum. The candidates also were urging supporters to send more money for their stretch run.

For the candidates, the results are “significant, but it’s not critical,” said Washington State University political scientist Lance LeLoup.

“For whatever candidate comes in second ... there’s plenty of time to reverse that order,” LeLoup said Tuesday.

At the polls on Tuesday, Sara Magee, 61, of Seattle, said Gregoire’s first term has earned her another shot at the state’s top office.

“I think she has worked extremely hard for this state and I think she will continue to do so,” Magee said.

But at a polling station in Bellevue, Barbara Moffat, 46, said Gregoire has spent too freely in her first term. Nonpartisan state Senate budget analysts are predicting a $2.7 billion deficit in the next state budget.

“Rossi will bring more control to the government,” Moffat said.

Spending by both sides belied their advance pooh-poohing of the results.

Gregoire and her top third-party group, the union-funded Evergreen Progress, spent nearly $2 million combined in the month leading up to the primary — most of it on TV advertising.

Rossi and his supporters at the building industry group It’s Time for a Change topped the $2 million mark in the same period.

The Gregoire-Rossi rematch already is the costliest election in state history, with the two candidates raising nearly $16 million combined.

Associated Press writers Rachel La Corte and Manuel Valdes contributed to this report.

On the Net: Gregoire: http://www.chrisgregoire.com  

Rossi: http://www.dinorossi.com  

Related article:

Primary results

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lascelles795 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:49 AM:

" If our state has half a brain, they will send the tax queen packing; she's done enough damage. We don't need another 4 years of her shenanigans. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:35 AM:

" Four years ago Rossi came out of the primary with only 34 percent so he is off to a much better start. Three things in this article were compelling: 1. Gregoire complaining about negative ads. Does that witch ever look in the mirror when she runs her mouth? 2. Gregoire setting the state up for a $2.7 million deficit. Now that's a record Rossi needs to pound, pound, and pound. 3. Gregoire money is almost all union backed. In other words she is bought and paid for to do things like support and sign bills with UNFUNDED PAY INCREASES for teachers that for districts to foot the bill and make bad decisions like the cutting of special ed in Kelso. Nobody in their right mind can believe that Gregoire is providing the right kind of leadership this state needs -- no one unless you are a social-engineering Liberal Demoncrat intent on spending for gay rights, abortion clinics, and programs that hug and release sex predators back on society. That is Gregoire right there. "

DUH wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:04 AM:

" Oh here we go again Bad Boy. Why don't you just take your medication and chill out. You are like a broken record. Same old thing over and over and over and over. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:32 AM:

" Can't rest Duh, there is work to be done spreading the word about the effects of Liberalism. Gregoire is a walk, talking, lying example of what the Liberal Demoncrats control in Washington. If Bush is bad, she is just down right EVIL. Will not stop until the Da Tax Queen's hand is out of my wallet. Vote Rossi for a better Washington. "

cheney119 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:38 AM:

" Which is it? $2.7 billion deficit or do you knuckle heads want tax cuts with revenues down? Seems like Dino the Dinasaur wants it both ways. Or are you trying the voodoo economics and preaching both at the same time. This is state government we can't just print money and run the deficit into the trillions. Seems to me Dino should be for tax increases or drastic cuts. Which drastic cuts would Dino make, or does he want to share that with us after the election and just spread lies and platitudes for now? After all that is the republican way say anything to get elected then appoint incompetant friends to important government missions. You're do'in a heck of a job Browny! Heck of a job Dino, maybe you can get elected without in real facts or proposals, but I doubt it. "

bulldog42 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:04 AM:

" In the primaries for the very first time I voted for a Republican. Gregoire has made a mess of this state. She signed bills for mandatory raises for school district employees and there were no funds available to pay for them. That is bad business and we need new leadership. That has put the Longview and Kelso school in a finacial bind, forcing them to cut sevices we don't need to cut.
But history tells us this state has always voted Democrat. Maybe it's time for a change and see if some new blood can make a difference. We payer higher gas prices than Oregon and we pump our own gas pump. This State needs a new vision!!!! Let's vote for the best candidate and not just follow party lines that is not going to get us anywhere as a State or Country. "

Lance Johnson wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:39 AM:

" I'm sure Gregoire is visiting morgues, jails, and the pound looking for votes again. I really hate it when football season comes around and she always tries to jump on the Seahawks bandwagon. If she really cared about this states sports franchises she wouldnt have let the Sonics skip town. "

longview citizen wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:43 AM:

" Personally I do not think either will do a good job. We now must once again choose the least incompetent one....again. I agree we can not have it both ways we must increase taxes or have a huge deficit (as we now have). It is sad that we must weigh human need over monetary supply. We must get the budget under control and that will only happen with cutbacks and higher taxes. As far as money being spent for citizens of the state that live lefestyles that do not fit the republican right wing box, they are citizens also and have rights so deal with it. "

Cheney119 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:23 AM:

" Don't you get tired of republican accusations of voter fraud with the crap they've pulled in Ohio in 2004 and Florida in 2000 that placed the worst president in history into office. Nobody with any brains agrees with them anyway, with the intellects of Limbaugh and O'Rielly to lead the way, the sheep that listen don't really have much to brag about. "

RealityCheck wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:55 AM:

" Increasing taxes is not the answer, how about managing the money we already have in a responsible manner? "

An observer wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Now ,now, we have some bitter folks out there. The dead always align themselves with the left. No big deal, its been going on for years and why should 2008 be any different? "

My Kids' Mom wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:12 PM:

" I'm just wondering what the cadidates belive should be done to protect Chehalis/Centralia from flooding. December is only 4 months away or have you all forgotten already what it's like to have 1-5 closed? Go Dino! "

An observer wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:12 PM:

" Now, now,we have some bitter folks out there. Its common for the dead to align themselves with the democratic ticket, its been happening for years, New York City in the Walker years, Boston and Illinois with the Kennedy's and Seattle with Chris. "Death and Taxes" the only two things you can count on; so doesn't it make sense. "

dude wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Hogwash If you dont vote you cant say anything. Im saying something right now. If you vote for a party clone then youre the problem, unless you think the current government is doing a swell job. You keep voting the status quo. It time for Republicans and Democates to man up and fire both parties replacing them with locals who have a concern with us. Its not Dinno or Gregorie and surely not Braid. You vote for them and call people that dont stupid.I see it the exact opposite. Im a little radical but not as much as Chenny119. "

Lance Johnson wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:28 PM:

" Whats this fruad in Ohio and Florida? I never heard anything reported about it on the national news. Maybe Art Bell at 3AM. Gore never once won any recounts.Dino won them all except for the one Chrissy paid for. And it was reported by the national news media and is a fact that convicted felons, peoples pets and dead people voted for Chrissy. You have ZERO facts regarding Ohio and Florida. Stick to Calling Art Bell with your crazy stories. "

Lance Johnson wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:31 PM:

" By the way McCain is ahead by 5 points...BOOM OUTTA HERE! "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:44 PM:

" As the great Ronald Reagan would say to the flaming Liberal Democrats: "Well, there you go again." To the flaming Liberals, it's big deficit AND higher taxes. .... hmmm. Why is it that the flaming Liberals only know how to tax and spend? Dino won't bring higher taxes and he will fight the deficit with smart government spending and growth through a more-business friendly government that promotes and rewards growth leading to new jobs. This state makes more than enough money to provide the necessities. What it doesn't need to do is waste tax dollars on social engineering programs that the flaming Liberals treasure. All it will take is a smart governor -- something we haven't had with Sex Fiend Mike, Gridlock Gary and Da Tax Queen Chrissie in the Big House in Olympia. Dino will bring brains to Olympia and stand up to the tax and spend flaming Liberals in the Legislature. A vote for Rossi is a vote for a better Washington. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 12:50 PM:

" Absolutely right Lance. International news agency Reuters poll released today shows McCain up by 5, completely wiping out a double-digit Obama lead in June. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26308429/ "

Reality Check wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:10 PM:

" To TDN: Just noticed you gave some else my moniker. I'm "Reality Check" (two words). There's someone else called "RealityCheck" (one word). "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:35 PM:

" I can only wonder what it would be like to have a core set of beliefs that when scrutinized only make sense to the insane. Seemingly intelligent people who still cling to rhetoric of their leaders OR propagate the lies for purely political reasons. Example: Lower taxes decrease revenue. There are maybe 3 people in the world who believe this and 1 of them showed up here. I wonder what it would be like to be a Democrat and have to vote for Gregoire. I feel the need to take a shower for just thinking about it. "

bulldog42 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 1:42 PM:

" I am a registered Democrat, but Obama scares the hell out of me. The fact that he won't salute the flag or say the pledge allegiance says it all. McCain has my vote and that will be the first time I have ever voted for a republican!!!! The current Governor has made a mess of things and I want to see some new blood. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:05 PM:

" Could it be that America is waking up? The closer we get to November there will be more and more bulldog42s coming out. Sometimes change is bad and in Obama, change is the worst. Simple fact he will take the U.S. down a road of weakness quicker than Slick Willie did in 8 years. He is as an anti-America as Bin Laden. Maybe he's the same. "

bucketball wrote on Aug 20, 2008 2:45 PM:

" To bulldog42, don't come here stating things that are not simply true. You probably read that in some bogus chain e-mail huh? "

cheney119 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 3:28 PM:

" Bulldog if that's how you decide how to vote please don't vote at all. Just a little history instruction, the pledge of allegience was first printed in Boy's Life magazine in the 1880's and designed to rub the confederate states nose in defeat, "one nation indivisable" get it? There is nothing any less important than the pledge of allegience and that is what an ignorant would base their vote on. How about Iraq, or the economy, or law and order especially coming from admistration that doesn't have any idea what the law even means. Just base you vote on something mor important that the ridiculous pledge of allegience; PLEASE!!! Extremely information voters like you should not even be allowed to vote at all. Especially since you premice isn't even true. "

strictlymental wrote on Aug 20, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Bulldog I know you would anyway but please continue to vote. Our flag and our pledge are important and many americans felt so or they wouldn't be our countries symbols. I personally am an American first, republican second. I believe that america was built on a foundation with core values. If you take the core values out of the foundation the structure will fall. If you don't like our great country there are many other for you to visit and try out. I was an ostrich who had my head in the sand until this year. Then I realized that if Christine G. doesn't put us on a budget or get out of the govern mansion, and if we put a president in office with no experiance that wants to change everything without metioning what. We are just simply headed for danger. I took my head out of the sand, read up, volunteered and am doing all I can for me and my communitee. Have a great day one and all. "

louie wrote on Aug 20, 2008 5:26 PM:

" It becomes obvious when reading these comments that you have to have a brain to be a Democrat!!!
I sure as h--- don't want any more government run by Republicans. They have got us into a historical mess! GWB and Cheney have screwed this country in ways we may never know about. I can't think of one thing this current administration in DC has gotten right. They both ought to be put in prison with the rest of the crooks, murderers, abusers and the like.
Rossi would be no better. Vote Democratic!!! "

cheney119 wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:04 PM:

" Louie I couldn't have put it any better myself. These republicans just want to change the subject; the country is going to hell in a handbasket and they want to talk about the pledge of alegiance and flag pins and anything but the fact that 82% of people say the country is on the wrong damn track. Hey let's see how much gas we can burn in our Yukon's, even though GM is going bankrupt because they builth the stupid vehicles, how much more un-american can you people be. "

GG wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:07 PM:

" Hopefully the majority of voters will remember our surplus rainy day fund that we had that was over 1 BILLION dollars. WHERE DID THAT GO? WHY are we facing a 2.7 BILLION deficet? Voters need to remember that for most of the 7+ years of Bush presidency we had a great economy, gas was around $2.00 a gallon, unemployment was at a record low, the Dow Jones hit a record high of over 14,000, everyone was buying new diesel trucks and SUV's (ever look around and see all the nice cars on the road, very few junkers). Real estate was booming and people were buying houses they couldn't afford and then the democrats took over congress bragged they were going to CHANGE things. Well, they sure did. Gas over $4, unemployment UP, and 1% of homes are in foreclosure. CHANGE? Yep we got it. VOTE for Dino and McCain. They will NOT raise taxes they will cut reckless spendy. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 6:19 PM:

" Only a Liberal could say that the Pledge of Allegiance to Amrica doesn't mean anything. I guess if you can say that you can vote for a racist like Obama. Me, I'm proud of America and proud to be American. I stick with McCain and keep America strong. But more importantly this year, it's the governors seat in Olympia. It's time that Washington joined the rest of good America and put a Republican in the govenor's mansion. I'm if Arnold can terminate the lousy Liberals in California, Dino can win here. In 2004 he got only 34 percent of the primary. Last night we was over 46. If by November, the rest of Washington wakes up we can tell Da Mean Ol Tax Queen to take gas tax and state deficit out of town. A vote for Rossi is a vote for a better Washington; A vote for Sen McCain is a vote for a strong, proud and great America. Vote the Liberals out of office. "

stink wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:40 PM:

" 2.7 billion is a lot more than 2.7 million these days. Give Dino enough rope and a Demo will be back in in 2012. "

kitten wrote on Aug 20, 2008 7:51 PM:

" TDN: "a vote for a strong, proud America" may be going a bit far, but they are definitely the lesser of two evils. So sad that I can't see a decent candidate anywhere. What has this country come to? "

kitten wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:02 PM:

" Re CC: I now know two people that think Bush did a good job! You and him. I will not vote for Obama because I do not believe in the Welfare State and we all know how much the democrats love it. I thought about voting Barr but just can't throw my vote away and take a chance on OB getting in. Like I said, the lesser of two evils. I personally don't think it will make a difference which one gets in cuz this country has made its bed staying true to these two parties. SLEEP WELL! "

DUH wrote on Aug 20, 2008 8:58 PM:

" When it comes to voting for President... I'm going to write in Paris Hilton. "

Sea-Gal wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:07 PM:

" re: Lance Johnson and other neo-con governor election conspiracy theorists - the convicted felons, peoples pets and dead people votes? Guess what guys! Those votes were actually cast FOR republican candidates, specifically Rossi. The republican spin meisters are very good at making it sound like democrats were behind all these illegal votes, but they forgot to mention who the votes were actually for. Oh my! "

louie wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:33 PM:

" TDN Bad Boy...shame on you for calling Obama a racist. That surely points the finger at you and you know which one.
GG...if you think the fact everyone was buying SUV's you are part of the problem and the real estate debacle happened during a Republican administration. Open your eyes and look at what has happened in the past 8 years...not a pretty picture. "

louie wrote on Aug 20, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Another thing...this check for $600 that all tax reporting folks were to receive and spend...that is the dumbest thing since Bush told everyone to go shopping after 9-11. Wake up people...we do need change and we need it in the form of a Democrat in charge in the White House. We are going to have to bite the bullet and quit complaining about taxes...they are going to be a necessary evil after all the $$$ we are spending daily in Iraq and for what? "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 20, 2008 10:16 PM:

" RE Louie --- I don't know about your definition of a racist but mine is simple. Give money knowingly to a racist or a racist organization repeatedly and that makes you a racist. The racist Obama gave Rev. Wright's church (racist sanctuary) more than $20,000 for a number of a years. He chose to stay in the organization while people like Oprah Winfrey walked away in the 90s. So that makes Obama a racist. And if he were here today I would call him that to his face. And anyone who votes for the George Wallace of 2008 is a racist, too. "

Old Charlie wrote on Aug 20, 2008 11:39 PM:

" TDN Bad Boy, I can agree on your philosophy of Obama, but "you are out to lunch" when it comes to Governor George Wallace, he was for state's rights and not a racist. In fact, in later years he was popular and respected by the Negro community. "

Resident wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:07 AM:

" Come on people, use the brain God gave you and get rid of Gregoire. VOTE ROSSI. "

Former Res wrote on Aug 21, 2008 7:17 AM:

" Re-elect Dino! Maybe he'll actually get to take office this time. BTW Sea-Gal... Most felons vote for Democrats because they will only get the slap on the wrist (Mom and Dad didn't hug me enough...I'll change...honset!(, so you might want to check your facts. I believe the felons voted for Chrissy and the dead and pets voted for Republicans (Dogs for Dino)! "

DUH wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:12 AM:

" Well well well Bad Boy, you didn't let me down. Last week, after reading all of your comments bashing Democrats, and all of your immature grade school name calling, I said to my family, I wonder how long it will be before he throws the "Race Card". The answer? The day after the Primary. The signs of a person that is truly scared that his party will lose in November. Thanks to you and people like you Campaigning for the Republican Party, they will lose in November. You do your party a great disservice with all of your infantile rants. If this is what can be expected from the Republican Party, then my vote is one they wont get. I don't want my city, county, state, or country run by a bunch of people that have a maturity level of less than that of a 5th grader. In all of this, the only racist I see is you. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:41 AM:

" Duh, you can call me whatever you want. But here are the facts: I have never given money to a racist organization, never joined a racist organization, never voted for a racist candidate. The only one who has continually placed the race card in this election is Obama. When the former Democratic VP candidate told the truh, she was branded by Obama's people as a racist. When Obama makes a statement about his face being different than the other presidents on the dollars, he is using race. Seems to Obama people, the only ones who can discuss race are Obama supporters. I guess that is why they approve of Rev. Wright and why Rev. Wright was officially part of the Obama campaign. Do you think that Obama just became aware of Rev. Wright's racism during the election? What day of this week were you born? Obama is a racist, plain and simple. You join a racist organization and you give money to it over a number of years, and you listen to the racist preaching of the leader, well by any color that makes you a racist. "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:42 AM:

" And by the way Duh, I was talking about Obama racist ways when the Rev. Wright issue was brought out by the Hillary Clinton people. I guess they were all racists too. "

Kem Cho wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I will vote for Gregoire, if she outlines her plan to balance state budget - no deficit - no unfunded raises for state employees and how she will bring jobs outside King county. "

DUH wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:32 AM:

" Calling people racist is in no way going to win your party any votes. Wake up... Grow up... Shut up! "

TDN Bad Boy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 11:32 AM:

" Duh my boy I calls em as I see em especially when it comes to racism. Obama is a racist because he was a member of a racist organization and supported it and the racist leader with money donations each year. You can't change the facts just to suit your party's election aspirations. And judging from the polls released this week America is waking up. "

abokaa wrote on Aug 21, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Ummm, about the dead votes... It's a secret ballot, you don't know whio they voted for, except the old man that voted on his late wife's behalf, and he voted for Rossi. If you ask me they were probably all for Rossi, but since it was a secret ballot I don't pretend to know. So jump to a conclusion and call it a fact. That'll strengthen your point... "

Former Res wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:56 PM:

" Yes, ballots are secret. And, oh wait, felons can't vote unless they have paid their debt to society and then get it reinstated. But, I digress. Anyway... I still believe "Dogs for Dino". He'd win paws down! "

TheGenius wrote on Aug 22, 2008 4:06 PM:

" Last time I checked, wasn't it the Democrats in this state that were going to run commercials implying that Dino Rossi is a mobster because he's Italian? Typical Dems, everyone is a racist and xenophobe but them, because they're above that sort of thing. Liberals make me want to puke, but I would never give those uppity yahoos the pleasure. "

vet wrote on Aug 23, 2008 9:48 AM:

" Re; bucketball. Where you been? Have you not seen the picks of Obama, john McCann and Hilary Clinton? They are standing together on a podium saying the pledge of allegiance. But Obama is standing there with his arms down and just watching. His motto is he wants change! And to me it’s not for the greater good. I approve this message. "

vet wrote on Aug 23, 2008 9:54 AM:

" Re; Louie. Wow! Where you been ? He sat in a church that preached racisms for 10 years. If he didn’t believe then whats he doing there? " Open your mind " "

Kalama rose wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:25 PM:

" To all of you who believe the bogus chain e-mail mentioned above, copy and paste this site in our browser:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/2007/11/obama_nabbed_by_the_patriotic.html "

bert wrote on Aug 25, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Right. What we need to do is raise taxes. After all we are only ranked number 5 for tax burden. Re-elect Gregoire and her Democratic croonies. They can make us number 1. "

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