Thanks to all who attended the Chris Gregoire forum in Olympia yesterday. AuntyM was there and she didn't beat me over the head or anything. I saw many members of the PSA Gig Harbor Chapter there...way to go boys. The room was full and Chris answered the prepared questions with great sincerity and showed a deep knowledge of many of the issues sports fishers care deeply about. When she did not know something she said so.

Now I know that most would assume that I was going to vote for Rossi as a kneejerk Republican response. Well I met with Dino Rossi at the first forum and think he would make an excellent governor. Now that I have met with Chris Gregoire I need to decide.

Based on Gregoire's promises to focus on sports fishing and the dollars it brings in to the state and her vow to correct the imbalance and predjudice on the WDFW commission I have a tough choice.

Do I want to vote for Rossi because I know he would be better for business and I know he would reform many things I think need reforming or do I vote for Gregoire as the clear choice on sportsfishing issues and the environment that I care so much about.

I have not decided. I talked to Chris Gregoire and shook her hand telling her she did an excellent job of convincing a Republican. I am convinced on fishing issues....just not on all the other issues that will effect our state and my business.

Thanks for the report Grandpa. I started filling out my ballot today and it was quite noticeable that I could not make my mark in the Governor's race. I will continue to look and learn and I will make up my mind by Nov. 2nd. Your post helps and I appreciate it.

Ed.....The interesting thing about being very active in the politics of sports fishing is that you need to be bi-partisan. When Chris Gregoire was speaking to an audience of sports fishing activists she still did not patronize us. When it came to the contentious issue of spills over Bonneville she talked balance. I was paying special attention to her answers on this issue expecting her to simply say we need to comply with the court's order concerning spills. Not so. She went into great detail to talk to both sides.

I still don't think she can fix the business climate in Washington but I am going to research that aspect of her candicay more before making my ultimate decision on Nov2.

Grandpa, you are right about that. I had 3 R's marked on my ballot. And voted the (supposed) conservative side on a couple of initiatives.

I just got up after falling on the floor in disbelief!!!

Ya Okay Grandpa?????

naaa.....Your heart is always in the right place...It is too easy to get frisky and insensitive on this BB....Thanks for showing up Saturday....you walk the talk...

AM, your right getting rid of Gary Grid-Locke is a great thing!

I read an article in the paper today that went into detail about how Gregoire is Gary Locke's hand picked successor.. Gary , like Clinton. is thirsty for a legacy and wants Chris to carry on a few of his policies that remain unfinished.

AM, yes Gary Grid-Locke did something,he added to his coffers of retirement benifits to continue sucking the life out of us tax payers.I pray his political career is OVER.......Fishy.

Grandpa, every paper and most reporters have a bias. Even our posts are typically "slanted". I won't make you work to figure mine out. Gregoire gets my vote for the following reasons:

In the debate I watched, Gregoire appeared more confident and competent , than Rossi. I liked her answers.

In her campaigning, Gregoire focuses on the problems facing the citizens of this state. Rossi states that business problems are top priority. Commercial fishing is big business and a powerful lobby. I think sportsfishers will be lucky to get more than lip service from Rossi.

Many board members are retired. Gregoire's priorities and goals are far more consistent with AARP's political agenda, than are Rossi's.

Two weeks ago, I saw a picture of Dino Rossi shaking hands with Dick Cheney. I'm still having nightmares.

Even if the governor's race was a photo finish dead heat, I wouldn't flip a coin. I'd vote for Gregoire. In the history of this state, only one woman has ever served as governor. Men have had the last quarter of a century to show what they could accomplish in our state's highest office. It's time to show our daughters that character, education, and dedication do pay off. It's time to show them there is no glass ceiling in WA government.