OLYMPIA — Those who most want Gov. Chris Gregoire out of state office blogged first that she might leave if the solicitor general job opened up.
Few in the media noticed the online speculation last month by the Building Industry Association of Washington, which spent millions of dollars trying to defeat her in two elections.
Wednesday, when the rumored prospect became a confirmed possibility, reporters and bloggers were in a tizzy typing the story.
The trigger came with an online report by the National Journal of an unnamed White House official confirming Gregoire is among those being considered to replace Elena Kagan, who’s been nominated for the Supreme Court.
That was news to Gregoire’s communications staff that spent the day answering a consistent stream of phone calls on a subject about which they said they only knew what they had read online.
There’s been “no direct communication to our office or the governor” from the Obama administration about the job, said Gregoire spokeswoman Karina Shagren.
The governor is, of course, flattered by the attention and has repeatedly said she intends to finish her term, Shagren said.
Gregoire told Northwest public radio reporter Austin Jenkins on Wednesday, “You know I have been asked over the last several months if I was interested in some things, and I have made it clear, we are in the worst recession in 80 years. I owe it to the people of the state of Washington to stick to what I said I signed up for, which is four years as governor of the state.
“You know I’m not one who will say never, I don’t think that’s right. But I have been very clear since the president was elected that now is not the time for me, that I’ve got to stick to my job. I owe it to the people of the state of Washington. I told them I’d be their governor, that I’d see them through this difficult period and I’m determined to do that.”
There are other names of potential candidates floating around. Among them are Neal Katyal, the deputy solicitor general, and Don Verrilli, an associate White House counsel.
In the meantime, just the possibility of an early departure led the Secretary of State’s Office to release information on how Lt. Gov. Brad Owen would grasp the reins of power initially.
If Gregoire resigns by Oct. 3, voters would elect someone to complete the unexpired portion of the term. If she left after that date, Owen would remain governor until the end of 2012.
Wednesday wasn’t the first time Gregoire has had her name linked with a job in the Obama administration. She’s been mentioned in conversations about candidates for attorney general, Supreme Court and commerce secretary.
The president has named her to head up one group, a council of governors dealing with homeland security issues.
Rumor mill
Gov. Chris Gregoire’s name has been mentioned in connection with several jobs in the Obama administration. Here are three that got widespread attention.
January 2009, commerce secretary: When she flew to an undisclosed location at the same time nominee Bill Richardson withdrew his name from consideration, there were rumors she was interviewing for the job. She wasn’t. She was in Iraq. Former Washington Gov. Gary Locke got the job, not her.
May 2009, Supreme Court: Her name was included in a New York Times story on possible candidates. The appointment went to Sonia Sotomayor.
May 2010, solicitor general: A White House official confirmed Wednesday that Gregoire is among those being considered to replace Elena Kagan if she is confirmed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
