Inslee won't run for governor (WA)

[jono]

Tuesday, September 9, 2003

Inslee won't run for governor
Congressman forgoes crowded field of Democrats

By JOEL CONNELLY
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Rep. Jay Inslee, although a veteran of numerous uphill races, said yesterday that he will and not join the high-profile field of Democrats running for governor and instead seek to remain in Congress.

"I was surprised at the extent to which people feel threatened by policies coming out of Washington, D.C., and wanted me to stay in place," said Inslee, a three-term Democratic congressman from Washington's 1st District.

The Inslee stay-in-place decision comes as a vast relief to Democratic Party leaders. They have feared that Republicans would field one of their best local officeholders, King County Councilwoman Jane Hague, to run for the open congressional seat if Inslee opted to run for governor.

"Jay's decision to run for re-election has helped us a great deal," Democratic State Chairman Paul Berendt said.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/138758_governor09.html

[montanacowboy]

1. GLAD TO HEAR IT

I was really relieved to hear that Inslee is not running for Gov. We definitely need his forward thinking in DC - there are plenty of other high profile folks running that would do a good job as Gov. Jay needs to stay on top of his investigation into 9/11 hearings that were held here several weeks ago. I think something like 1400 people attended on a weekday!

[jono]

3. I agree

He's a great guy, and I would've supported him for Governor... but I worried that we would lose his House seat if he did run. Smart choice, Jay!

[barbaraann]

2. Thank goodness!

We have some great gubernatorial candidates and Inslee is really needed in DC.

[Rose Siding]

4. I'd support him in a challenge to...

Cantwell. I like Maria on several issues- she's been strong on the FCC- but didn't show much leadership on Iraq.

I'm glad he's staying in the House for now.

[jono]

5. I would support him in a challenge to

either of the Senators, as they were both weak on Iraq. But, I'm happy to see him stay put.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

6. Good for him.

Inslee's my Rep. Both Gregoire and Talmadge are qualified candidates for governer so I feel Jay Inslee can do more good in the position he's in.

[Myra]

7. I would support Jay in any position he was seeking

He's one of the few good pols.
He actually goes out of his way to
listen to constituents, first hand,
and often.