An open letter to Christine Gregoire
Combining ideas from Tim A. in the comments to this Sound Politics post, and several commenters at this King 5 poll, I have a suggestion for for you. Admittedly, I’m a partisan Republican, but I think this idea is good for you, the state, and even this state’s Democrats.
First, concede. Insist that the election is still a tie, but that you want to move on “for the good of the state.” Talk about “bringing the state and nation together,” and congratulate Rossi on a well run race. People will love you for it. Then, take the money that would have been spent on a hand recount and donate it to a worthy charity. Don’t do it ostentatiously, don’t hold a press conference, just do it, and let the word seep out over the next two years.
Then, in 2006, run for Congress in the 7th district against “Baghdad Jim” McDermott. You’ve already got your moderate credentials burnished and shiny from this race, so it will be a logical matchup. You could actually provide real representation in the House and avoid being marginalized like McDermott is. Thanks to I-872, you and McDermott would almost certainly face each other in the general election where, coasting on the goodwill you earned this year, you would almost certainly win. You’d then have one of the safest congressional seats in America for as long as you want it. You could even be the next Nancy Pelosi, if you work at it.
This is a win-win situation all around. Washington is spared another arduous recount. Seattle gets real representation in the House. You’d have a job for life and a chance to affect politics on a national level. This is a very good idea. Please consider it.
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November 24th, 2004 at 9:13 pm
I can’t decide who’s uglier: Jimmie D. or Chris G. If there was a statewide election, each candidate is so similarly ugly, the results would probably be closer than 42 votes. Given how heated this rate would be, how many recounts would Weeping Paul Berendt demand?
November 25th, 2004 at 8:42 am
Hmm. Chrissy G. I can almost hear the soprano sax crooning in the background.
November 26th, 2004 at 12:38 pm
One of the dirty secrets of the Dems is how they are unwilling (or unable) to discipline or disavow their most extreme or offensive members. If Gregoire were to take on McDermott, she would finally show that being a “moderate” Dem means something, and help the party nationally. And as you point out, she’s got all sorts of options from there— After Cantray (or is it Murwell? Is there a difference?) retires, she could easily move into that seat. A single term in Congress, if it gets rid of the current embarassment there, will set her up for a rematch with Rossi, too. How could the party deny her the opportunity? (Well, they are Dems…)
November 26th, 2004 at 6:53 pm
Yet another great idea to salute on the Flagpole of the World. And when I steal it for a column in the Magnolia News (with your permission? And full attribution.) it will be interesting to guage responsiveness from the local D loyalists.
P. Scott Cummins = The Urbane R
http://blog.pscottcummins.com
November 26th, 2004 at 8:04 pm
As a Eastside Republican-as in Eastern Washington. the state of Washington needs to have Christine recognize her short comings as a whole state policitian and decide that Washington is a state better represented by Rossi. If ,in the next 4 years ,he fails to revive the economy then it is your turn, Christine, But please let the international force of Washington Agiculture have a say the next four. We need to recognize the strength of our natural resources and the strength of our wheat, wine, hops, mint, dairy, and timber, etc. industries. This is a state that needs a strong leader who will watch out for our industtries and not just fight against big tobacco….. Christine, be a big girl and accept defeat!
November 26th, 2004 at 9:41 pm
Hey, steal away, Scott. I’d love to see this idea get as much play as possible–even if it would mean that Dems in the house would become slightly less marginalized.
November 29th, 2004 at 8:58 am
Tim, I liked your comment so much I posted a similar thought on my blog, http://www.retiredjag.com. Where oh where would we in WA state be without your keen and intelligent insight to WA state politics? Thanks for being there, really.
Nolan