The following editorial appeared Monday in the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

Washington’s Gov. Christine Gregoire is protected around the clock by the Washington State Patrol. And, at least for now, so is the man who nearly was (and still might be) elected governor, Dino Rossi.

It’s a prudent decision given nerves are still raw from the ultra-close election, the three ballot counts and the ongoing court challenges.

It was reported last week that a death threat was made against Gregoire. Capt. Jeff DeVere, spokesman for the State Patrol, told the Associated Press a third party reported overhearing Jeffrey Martelli of Wapato saying he disliked government officials and planned to kill Gregoire and her children. Martelli was arrested and released to await a trial.

Rossi was assigned Patrol protection from the elite Executive Protection Unit after he won the first vote tally in November and was designated the governor-elect. Top State Patrol officials have advised Rossi to continue 24-hour protection for him and his family.

Up until last week, at least a few Democrats were carping about Rossi having State Patrol protection.

But it’s hardly a personal perk. It’s a wise use of state resources.

This issue goes beyond politics.

Gregoire and Rossi are high-profile political figures in the midst of an ongoing controversy. The public has an obligation to provide them security.