Liberty Bell

Although the Democrats still hold the lead in Washington politics (and have since 1980), recent events have shown their lead is not unshakeable. The 2004 race for governor between Dino Rossi (Republican) and Christine Gregoire (Democrat) was the closest in Washington State history and in any governors race in the United States. After two recounts and court battle, Rossi lost by 129 votes to current Governor Gregoire.

The Rossi/Gregoire race pointed out several deficiencies with the Washington State voting system, and led to heated debate between the different parties. In the governor’s race, Rossi narrowly led the initial count and a machine recount, but lost in the hand recount requested by the Democrat party. The Republicans questioned and sued over the number of votes from deceased people and convicted felons included in the election – particularly from King County, known to be strongly democratic. Superior Court Judge John Bridges rejected the claims saying that while the claims were significant there was no evidence of fraud or manipulation. Republicans called Democrats cheaters; Democrats insisted they weren’t.

Rossi is expected to run for Governor in 2008. Analysts in both parties agree that a rematch wouldn’t just be a rerun of ‘04. Former thinking that “Pandering to rural voters is a waste of time,”* has been abolished. Democrats have realized the weight of King County may not be enough to hold the election and have started campaigning across Lake Washington, hoping to gain more power. If Rossi runs and wins, he will end the 24-year-hold Democrats have on the governor’s seat.

* From “Better Dead Than Red,” by Dan Savage. It was printed by the Portland Mercury and The Stranger in 2004.