OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire made the decision not to run for re-election over the weekend after talking with family and close advisors, called cabinet members and one potential replacement on Sunday evening.

She urged Jay Inslee, the Democratic congressman from Western Washington's 1st District, to get in...although it seems unlikely she had to push very hard. Inslee has been itching to get into the race as soon as Gregoire is officially out.

"I don't know who all's going to get in the field," she said during her press conference outside the Governor's Mansion to announce that she won't.

Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna officially got in last week.  He made the courtesy call to Gregoire before his announcement, and she followed protocol by not really saying very much about that when asked.

Look for an Inslee campaign rollout press conference later this week, and any other serious candidates in the near future. After all, it is June of 2011, which means the 2012 general election is ONLY 17 months away.

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