Updated Governor Watch: Gregoire Not Seeking Third Term
It's official: Gregoire is not seeking a third term.
Thanks to the Seattle Times' Olympia Bureau, we now have Gregoire's statement regarding her retirement. From the release:
This morning I announced that I will not seek a third term as Governor. After much thought and discussion I know it's the right decision for me and for my family. With the end of one of the most difficult and historic legislative sessions only one month behind us, there remains great work to do to move our economy forward and transform our state to meet — and exceed — the needs of a 21st Century economy. I know over the next 18 months that I must focus on that task and not on the task of running for office.
Gregoire certainly hasn't had an easy go as Governor. For nearly her entire time in office, the State has been in dire economic straits. She overcame an exceptionally close race to take the position. She's had to make some tough budget decisions--which is, arguably, her strong suit. Where she has faltered has been her critical decision making, and her foresight regarding the well-being of many.
Where will she go from here? We're fairly positive she's courting the Obama administration. For the last few years, she's been spending a lot of time rubbing elbows with the Feds (which is possibly one reason for her egregious behavior regarding the still-federally-condemned medical marijuana), presumably in the hopes of moving out of state politics and onto something bigger. With a presidential election looming, it's likely that she's looking to get in before Obama is potentially foisted out.
Rob McKenna has, of course, already announced his plans to run on the GOP ticket. His challenger, though not yet officially announced, is likely to be democratic Representative Jay Inslee, who has been the favorite for the right since last year.
TVW will be broadcasting the entire press conference shortly after it wraps, and again at 1 p.m. today, if you'd like to re-watch it.
