Updated: 11 p.m. Thursday
Democratic Congressman Jay Inslee has joined the 2012 race to be Washington’s next governor.

While a press release did not arrive as I expected, the first signs of his campaign could be found online tonight.

Click on what had been his congressional campaign web site and you’ll be greeted by Jay Inslee for Governor, Building a Working Washington.”

Early supporters received an email that begins:

Thank you so much for joining my campaign. I look forward to staying in touch with you as we work together to bring the reforms that will get Washington working again.

Meanwhile, on his Twitter site, @jayinslee, he’s now identified as Candidate for WA Governor.

Earlier in the day, word of his pending announcement spread quickly among Democrats and reporters.

I heard from a knowledgeable person that the formal launch is coming Monday. If not then, it certainly will be early next week if you believe everything that is circulating through Democratic Party circles.

Inslee, whose 1st Congressional District takes in parts of Snohomish, King and Kitsap counties, has been angling for this race for months. He’s been waiting on Gov. Chris Gregoire to set her plans. Last week she decided against seeking a third term then phoned Inslee to encourage him to get intothe race.

Awaiting Inslee’s arrival is Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna who tossed his hat into the ring on June 8.

This will be Inslee’s second bid for governor. He ran in 1996 and finished fifth in a 15-person primary. He was the third highest votegetter among Democrats, trailing Gary Locke, who won the office in November, and Norm Rice.