Gregoire fires up party faithful in Port Townsend to open Peninsula campaign swing
By Erik Hidle, Peninsula Daily News
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Gregoire joined 13 other Democratic candidates running for state, regional and local offices at the Jefferson County Democrats' 14th annual Fish Feast fundraiser at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
More than 350 people attended the dinner to hear Gregoire speak about the election that is likely to be rematch of the razor-thin 2004 race between her and Republican Dino Rossi that took three vote tallies to resolve.
But it was another candidate in the fall election that the first-term governor used to charge the Democratic crowd.
"Are you ready?" Gregoire asked the audience.
"I'll tell you why we're ready: In 183 days, 6 hours, 23 minutes when George Bush is out of office, we are looking at President Barrack Obama!"
The crowd cheered at Gregoire's declaration as she held up a pocket watch counting down to President Bush's final day in office.
Changes in state
Gregoire was not shy to speak about the change she is predicting in the November election, but reminded the crowd that the changes needed in Washington state could only take place if she was elected for another four years.
"Several candidates are running on the message of change," Gregoire said.
"When I met with [Michelle Obama in Seattle last Thursday], she said she and Barrack had spoken about how change for change sake is not what we need."
Gregoire then said Rossi, if elected, would change state government policies to mirror those of President Bush.
Citing health-care reform, public safety and education as primary examples of change in her four years as governor, Gregoire said she still has a lot to do.
Spending increase
Gregoire also responded to a report in Sunday's Seattle Times that her office had increased state spending by $8 billion during her term.
"I am proud of what we've done in this state," she said.
"We are at a 14-year low in crime. Over 50 cents of every dollar has gone to education.
"I am proud of the investments we have made in our future — and I apologize to no one for investing in our kids and our future.
"Those are Democratic values and I am proud of what we've done."
While Gregoire kept herself close to the values of many Democrats running in the fall elections, she also did her best to tie Rossi to the values of President Bush.
"The president as well as my opponent want to continue to debate if climate change is real," she said.
"Get over it guys. What we need now is results."
Before she left the podium, Gregoire addressed the other Democratic candidates in the room.
"God bless ya for running," she said.
"I look at these attack ads they are running, and I ask that they please don't discourage people from running.
"They haven't because there are some great candidates out here tonight."
Other candidates
Among those in attendance were 24th District Reps. Kevin Van De Wege of Sequim and Lynn Kessler of Hoquiam, incumbent Democratic Jefferson County Commissioners Phil Johnson and David Sullivan, and nine other candidates for state offices and judge positions.
Also at the Fish Feast was County Commissioner John Austin, who's midway through his first four-year term.
Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval said she was thrilled to have Gregoire visit Port Townsend.
"It's exciting to have her here and it's exciting to have access to her," Sandoval said.
"I was thrilled she took time to speak to me and my fellow council members before she spoke [to the crowd]."
Sandoval said the primary point of the council discussion was infrastructure in the city and county, including the state ferry system.
"I'm pleased to say she's listening," Sandoval said.
"She's listening to us and she understands.
"She has done a lot for us, and she said if we need anything, to give her a call."
Fundraiser sold out
Teri Nomura, Jefferson County Democrats chair, said it was great to have Gregoire join them for their annual fundraiser.
"It's really a huge deal because this is her re-election year," Nomura said.
"We sold out 360 tickets after we announced she would be here."
Bill Miller, state committeeman for Jefferson County, said the presence of Gregoire at the feast would likely help boost fundraising at the event.
"This is where we raise a significant part of our annual budget for Jefferson County Democrats," Miller said.
"I would say a little over half of our money comes from this, and we use it all to support local candidates."
In PA, Sequim today
Gov. Chris Gregoire will visit Port Angeles and Sequim today as she continues her North Olympic Peninsula campaign swing.
She will appear at a Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
The breakfast, open to the public, will be upstairs at the Port Angeles CrabHouse Restaurant, 221 N. Lincoln St.
The no-host breakfast buffet will start at 7 a.m., although there will be theater-style seating for those who don't want to eat.
Gregoire will visit the John Wayne Marina on Sequim Bay from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. today.
That appearance will be hosted by the Clallam County Democratic Party, and deviates from an original plan to host the governor at county Democratic headquarters in central Sequim.
Last modified: July 20. 2008 9:00PM