Is Gregoire on the short list for Solicitor General?

  • Jerry Cornfield
  • Tuesday, May 11, 2010 5:39pm
  • Local News

With another opening in the Obama Administration comes fresh talk of Gov. Chris Gregoire leaving office early to head to the other Washington.

Yesterday, I didn’t think much of the

ruminations of Peter Callaghan and the BIAW on Gregoire getting tapped to succeed Elena Kagan as solicitor general.

Today, I am paying a bit more attention though hardly convinced Gregoire is looking for an interview outfit.

On Monday, I called friends in Washington, D.C. who tend to hear such rumors and know when they’re true. They said they had not heard a thing.

Today, I got a call back from one who said they had heard Gregoire’s name is on a list of names of people who may get considered.

(I could not reach the governor to find out if she’s been told she’s on a list or not.)

It might not seem shocking for her to make the list. Gregoire and Kagan have known each other for awhile.

When Kagan served in the Clinton Administration, she and Gregoire, then Washington’s AG, worked together on the national tobacco case. Kagan, while working for Clinton, hired a Gregoire daughter to be executive assistant for a period of time, according to the governor’s staff.

Media types on the East Coast don’t have her on the top of their list.

In the Wall Street Journal law blog the early favorite for the job is Don Verrilli, an associate White House Counsel.

The other name showing up in stories on this subject is Deputy Solicitor General Neal Katyal. His life story can be found here.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Daily Herald moves to new office near downtown Everett

The move came after the publication spent 12 years located in an office complex on 41st Street.

Women run free for health and wellness in Marysville

The second Women’s Freedom Run brought over 115 people together in support of mental and physical health.

Pop star Benson Boone comes home to Monroe High School

Boone, 23, proves you can take the star out of Monroe — but you can’t take Monroe out of the star.

People walk through Explorer Middle School’s new gymnasium during an open house on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett middle school celebrates opening of new gym

The celebration came as the Mukilteo School District seeks the approval of another bond measure to finish rebuilding Explorer Middle School.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Man sets fire to two adult novelty shops on Wednesday

Over two hours, a man, 48, ignited Adult Airport Video and The Love Zone with occupants inside.

Records reveal Lynnwood candidate’s history of domestic violence, drug use

Bryce Owings has been convicted of 10 crimes in the last 20 years. He and his wife say he has reformed and those crimes are in his past.

Lowell Elementary School in Everett. (Sue Misao / Herald file)
Everett Public Schools could seek bond to fund new school

Along with the new school, the nearly $400 million bond would pay for the replacement of another, among other major renovations.

Everett school bus drivers could strike amid contract fight

Unionized drivers are fighting for better pay, retirement and health care benefits. Both sides lay the blame on each other for the stalemate.

A person enters the Robert J. Drewel Building on Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the county campus in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County Council pass two awareness resolutions

The council recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness and Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The inside of Johnson’s full-size B-17 cockpit he is building on Sept. 23, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man builds B-17 replica in his garage

Thatcher Johnson spent 3 years meticulously recreating the cockpit of a World War II bomber.

A parent walks their children to class at Whittier Elementary on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett celebrates ‘Blue Ribbon’ award as feds cancel program

The Department of Education canceled the award weeks before Whittier Elementary was set to receive it. No Everett public school had won it in over four decades.

Two workers walk past a train following a press event at the Lynnwood City Center Link Station on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Lynnwood, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Sound Transit weighs possible savings on Everett Link extension

Amid rising costs, the agency could adjust the early design of the Everett Link plan. The proposed changes would not remove stations or affect service levels.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.