Governor is wisely watching pocketbook

The following editorial appeared Tuesday in the Walla Walla Union Bulletin:

It’s been about a year since Gov. Christine Gregoire, a Democrat, was elected governor by a mere 129 votes. Many Republicans are still bitter they lost the election.

But did they really lose? After all, the incredibly close election made it clear to politicians — including the governor and the Democrats who control the state Legislature — that Washington voters will support Republicans. Democrats understand that their hold on power in Olympia is tenuous.

And that was reflected last week in the governor’s proposed supplemental budget.

It now looks as if the state is going to take in about $1.45 billion more in tax revenue than was previously predicted because the economy has improved.

Once word of the surplus got out, the grab for cash in Olympia was swift. Those pushing various state programs were quick to seek funds to make up for the cuts that have become common over the past few years as Washington was hit with a recession.

But Gregoire has, to this point, shown restraint. She proposed to spend about $500 million of the surplus while banking the rest in reserve. …

Gregoire appears to be taking a stand that political moderates can embrace. She, of course, is going to catch heat from Republicans who don’t like her spending priorities (and who are out to make political points).

Gregoire might even irk some within her own party, those who are still bitter over the deep cuts made to pet programs over the past few years.

But most Democrats in the Legislature — even some of the most liberal Democrats — seem to be looking for ways to get behind Gregoire’s plan.

Why? They want to see Gregoire re-elected in 2008, and they want Democrats to retain control of the Legislature.

If the Democrats running Olympia go on a spending spree and then the economy suddenly tanks, there will be a cry for new taxes, deeper spending cuts or both.

Voters won’t be happy. Nor will Democrats after the voters cast their ballots.

That was made clear in the 2004 gubernatorial election.