Election 2004: Election is finally over

For Washington voters, yesterday's court ruling means a chance to see whether Gregoire can sustain the remarkably strong leadership she displayed during the first legislative session. There's no reason for overconfidence: Early in his governorship, Gary Locke looked like he might be on his way toward large accomplishments and even national office.

Voters also have an opportunity to demand changes in slipshod election procedures brought to light by the examination of Gregoire's narrow victory over Republican Dino Rossi. Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges said the "voters of this state are in a position to demand" improvements.

Rossi could have pursued an appeal to the Washington Supreme Court. That was his right, and until now, we have fully supported his exercise of legal avenues to contest the election.

After the clear ruling from a respected jurist, however, it finally came time for Rossi to order an end to the legal expense and arguments. His decision to walk away from a last-ditch fight was right. But he spoiled his moment of grace with a cheap shot, claiming the "political makeup of the Washington state Supreme Court" would not allow him to prevail on appeal

In fact, as a matter of law, Bridges' ruling could hardly have been more convincing. That's what made it impossible to envision the court overturning his ruling. Bridges simply eviscerated the Republicans' case, systematically rejecting the suggestions that the election was stolen. Worse for those Republicans who will advocate continued appeals, Bridges raised Gregoire's victory margin by four votes, indicating that if he were to make more changes on the basis of the evidence and GOP arguments, the margin of victory would likely grow. All that left Rossi in a position where the public had a right to expect him to exercise wisdom and withdraw.

For Washington, the facts on the ground have been clearly established. Gregoire is governor, by right of a 133-vote victory. In responding, she captured the situation accurately, saying: "Judge Bridges' ruling means that the state can finally move on. It means that we can put this election behind us and, instead, focus all of our attention and our energies on improving our schools, tackling the health care crisis, growing the economy and making sure government is accountable."

Washington's progress on education, economic development and every other issue will depend a great deal on how well she leads from now until 2008. She has 3 1/2 years to make a better state.


Was Dino Rossi right when he said he couldn’t get a fair hearing in the Washington Supreme Court?
34.8% Yes, political judges are a problem here, and everywhere	12.1% Yes, and now I wonder how fair Judge John Bridges is
41.5% No, but at least Rossi revealed the intoxication with far-right thinking that he managed to hide during the campaign	10.8% No, but it’s hard to lose so I’m not surprised by an inappropriate remark
0.8% Undecided or don't care
Total Votes: 1692