Gov. Gregoire: “It’s Time For Me To Go On And Do Something Else.”

At a press conference Monday in Seattle, Governor Christine Gregoire announced she will not be seeking a third term in 2012.

Gregoire did not spell out specific plans for what she will do when her term ends in 18 months, instead focusing on what has happened during her eight years in office, as well as saying she will devote her attention in the next year and a half to the state's economy.  Gregoire said she does plan to do everything she can to support the 2012 Obama re-election campaign, as well as spend time with her family.

Besides some of the most challenging economic times, her tenure was also marked in 2004 by the closest gubernatorial race in US history, beating challenger Dino Rossi by less than 155 votes after two recounts and a court challenge.  Afterwards, several ACORN voter registration workers were prosecuted and found guilty of voter fraud, for among other crimes,  attempting to cast ballots using deceased voter information.  Rep. Jay Inslee  is expected to seek the Democratic nomination, and he would oppose GOP candidate and current state attorney general Rob McKenna.