Inslee releases economic plan

Democrat Jay Inslee today revealed how he'd boost the state's economy if he is elected governor.

The plan entitled “Building a New Economy for Washington” outlines steps Inslee would pursue in the arenas of clean energy, aerospace, agriculture, military procurement, life sciences, small business and information and communication technology.

Inslee discussed the plan at events in Spokane and Seattle. You can read it all here.

Meanwhile, I continue to wonder if Inslee might leave his post in the U.S. House of Representatives to focus on his contest for governor with Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna.

I spoke with him briefly in Everett last week and it's clear he isn't ready to give up his seat in Congress to keep his feet in Washington every day.

“I have not made a decision to resign,” he said. “I am committed to the governor's race and I have not made a decision. We'll have further conversations.”

The state Republican Party is tallying Inslee's missed votes and tracking when he's campaigning here while the House is in session. You can bet GOP leaders will make a big deal about it as the race heats up.

“Congressman Inslee is skipping out on his real job to attend campaign events and fundraisers,” Republican Party Chairman Kirby Wilbur said in a recent press release. “He's obviously burning the candle at both ends and can't handle it.”