Gregoire to decide on re-election run this month
Gov. Chris Gregoire at a post-bill-signing press conference Tuesday.
OLYMPIA -- Chris Gregoire will decide this month whether she will seek a third term as Washington's top elected official.
"I haven't made a decision. I'm meeting with my family this weekend," the governor said during a press conference after signing a list of bills from the recently completed special session of the Legislature ."I can't go on beyond this month. I've got work to do."
Although the election is not until 2012, she would want to start on a statewide campaign this summer if she decides to run, and another candidate will need that time if she doesn't. The two-term Democratic incumbent said she talked this week with Republican Attorney General Rob McKennas but declined to say what the subject was. "It's his to announce," she said of his plans.
Asked if the conversation was about a lawsuit over federal health care reform, on which they disagree, or about the gubernatorial campaign, she replied: "Not about the health care lawsuit."
Next week Gregoire is expected to sign a budget that cuts social service programs, education, higher education and most state services. "I didn't run on this six years ago. I didn't run on this two years ago. But the times are what they are."
