Peninsula Daily News news sources
OLYMPIA — The state capital buzzed Wednesday after a national report speculated that Gov. Chris Gregoire might be appointed by President Barack Obama to replace Solicitor General Elena Kagan.
But Gregoire spokesman Cory Curtis said late Wednesday that no one from the White House has talked to Gregoire about the job, which is to essentially be the president’s lawyer before the Supreme Court.
“She hasn’t even been approached about it, or talked to about it, so there’s nothing for her to consider,” he told The Associated Press in Olympia.
But AP in Washington, D.C., had reported earlier Wednesday that Gregoire was on the White House short list for a Kagan replacement should Kagan win her expected confirmation to replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens on the nation’s highest court.
Gregoire told the Northwest News Network: “You know, I’m not one who will say never, I don’t think that’s right. . . .
“I owe it to the people of the state of Washington. I told them I’d be their governor, that I’d see them through this difficult period and I’m determined to do that.”
Has Obama’s ear
Gregoire, who has been one of Obama’s favorite governors attending meetings at the White House on everything from health care reform to education, is a two-term incumbent and former state attorney general.
Gregoire, 63, is a 1977 law graduate of Gonzaga University who argued three cases before the U.S. Supreme Court during her days in the state Attorney General’s Office, The Seattle Times reported Monday night.
An official within the Obama administration confirmed to AP on Wednesday that Gregoire was among those being considered to replace Kagan, assuming that Kagan is confirmed by the Senate sometime this summer.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was not authorized to discuss internal deliberations, and had no information on the size or scope of the list or when a decision would be made.
If Gregoire were to leave Olympia, Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, also a Democrat, would become governor until a special election was held — though depending on the timing, he could also serve until the 2012 elections.
If Gregoire resigned before June 1, there would be a special election primary and general election.
If she resigned between June 1 and Oct. 3, there would be a special winner-take-all election held in November, said Katie Blinn, assistant director of elections.
Possible successors
Gregoire’s departure — if indeed it happens — could affect other races around the state as well.
Democrats who have been mentioned as potential gubernatorial candidates are U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown of Spokane.
On the Republican side, Attorney General Rob ÂMcKenna has long been considered a favorite to run for governor, as has former two-time gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi, who is currently considering a run against U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
Republican political consultant Chris Vance said Republicans would benefit from a Gregoire appointment.
“The Republicans would love a shot at a U.S. Senate seat and a governor’s seat in the same year,” he said.
Aimed at Rossi?
Vance expressed some skepticism about Gregoire’s name leaking out, and said some Republicans wonder if it’s a ploy to keep Rossi out of the Senate race.
“It just doesn’t make sense that the Democrats would want to create all this turmoil in a year when they are so vulnerable,” he said.
State Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz acknowledged that after two tough legislative sessions where the governor has had to make budget cuts and approve tax increases, the lure of a new ZIP code might be strong.
“As chair of the party, I’d rather have her stay,” Pelz said, “but as her personal friend, I wish her the best in her decision.”
There are three former Washington state officials serving in high offices in the other Washington: Former King County Executive Ron Sims was sworn in last year as deputy secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development; ex-Gov. Gary Locke was tapped as commerce secretary last year and former Seattle Chief Gil Kerlikowske is serving as Obama’s drug czar.
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Associated Press writer Rachel La Corte, in Olympia, contributed to this report.