In the Washington state gubernatorial race, fellow Kossack and incumbent Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) has been consistently leading challenger Dino Rossi (R) in the polls for months.
This has been in line with Washington generally being considered a blue state in November.
However, recent polls show Rossi pulling into the lead, thanks to smear attacks and typical Republican diversions. We need to act to hold on to this governor's seat!
This is a time when sites like this can be a real help to important state-level races around the country. When Barack Obama is elected President in November**, it will be important to have as many Democratic governors as possible to help push and implement his plans at the state level.
However, Gregoire has come under repeated and false attack from Rossi and some very well-funded friends. This has been the primary reason for the shift in the race over the last two months.
- July 11 (Rasmussen): Gregoire 48%, Rossi 43%.
- August 8 (Rasmussen): Gregoire 50%, Rossi 46%.
- September 12 (Rasmussen): Rossi 52%, Gregoire 46%.
Yes, I know some of the bounce between the last two polls may have more to do with the top of the Republican ticket. However, do not discount the strength of Rossi's smear campaign against Gregoire. And remember that Rossi's upward bounce started BEFORE the Republican National Convention.
Chris Gregoire has been a sound governor, who has always put her constituents' needs first. She's been particularly out in front on three issues that I consider paramount to any state: improving child welfare, reducing crime and improving public transportation. She has certainly earned another term as governor.
For those Kossacks in the Pacific Northwest: if your state is fairly safe in either direction for the general election, please try to volunteer for Governor Gregoire. The ground game gets even more critical when you step down from the Presidential level.
Please donate to Gov. Gregoire's campaign today!
** - Yeah, that's right. I said when Obama's elected.
UPDATE: Added Survey USA numbers for last 3 months showing same trend.