One Governor, Two Washingtons

In 2008, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, referring to the famed "Cascade Curtain" that divides Western and Eastern Washington economically and ideologically as well as geographically, said "It is time for us to unite again as one Washington and move forward."

Gregoire's Office of Financial Management has been holding hearings all over the state to discuss balancing the looming $3 billion budget shortfall next year.  The only hearing east of the Cascades was held last night at Spokane Community College.  Even though Governor Gregoire had attended all four previous budget hearings in Western Washington, she did not attend the one in Spokane.  According to the Spokesman-Review, Gregoire stated in a video introduction that she “had a long standing commitment that has kept me away.”

And what exactly was that "long standing commitment?"

According to Joel Connelly at the Seattle-PI, Gregoire held a $1,000 a person fund raiser last night at Wild Ginger restaurant in Seattle.

It would appear that the only budget concerns the governor has are for her reelection.

Going Nuclear

In Benton and Frankin Counties, where the Tri-Cities are located, Dino didn't get less than 65% of the primary vote. Only Adams County (Othello), which borders Hanford, was higher.

Got Areva?

One Washington

I said from the beginning that we are one Washington, and we’ve torn down the Cascade Curtain.

- Queen Christine, "Major strides have been made in economy, education, health care," Tacoma News-Tribune, June 29, 2008

A collection of environmental groups is asking its supporters to thank Gov. Chris Gregoire "for standing up for our health, safety and our environment by raising concerns over nuclear wastes from a uranium enrichment plant," once proposed for Richland.

- "Environmentalists praise Gregoire for raising concerns about Areva plant," Tri-City Herald, July 17, 2008

Now we know which "one" the Queen was talking about.