Gregoire Will Not Seek A Third Term

The Associated Press reports sources in Olympia confirm that Gov. Christine Gregoire will NOT seek a third term as the leader of WA state.

A press conference is scheduled for today when Gregoire will announce her future plans.  The sources told the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, and refused to release any other information pending the press conference.  They would only confirm she is not running.

This puts Rep. Jay Inslee in play as the likely Democratic front runner for 2012.  Inslee has carved a reputation as a middle of the ground, solid representative despite coming from the Puget Sound area.  He does not carry the far left "tag" that was quickly applied to Gregoire after she took office.  His challenger, should he choose to run, will be state attorney general Rob McKenna.  McKenna has gained criticism from the political left, but numerous salutes from conservatives and citizens for adding WA state to the list of 26 state suing the Federal Government over Obamacare.