McKenna kicks off run for governor

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Attorney General Rob McKenna said he is the best person to become Washington’s next governor, vowing to restore fiscal discipline in Olympia.

McKenna officially launched his campaign Wednesday night at a Bellevue event attended by hundreds of supporters.

He said state government is headed in an unsustainable direction, that agencies can be more efficient with fewer employees. He also said the state can attract jobs by lowering regulatory hurdles for businesses and investing more in public education.

McKenna hopes to become the first Republican to hold the post in more than a quarter of a century.

Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire said this week she hasn’t decided whether she will seek a third term.