TV networks say Gregoire wins, Rossi responds

Several television networks, including at least one station in Seattle, have called Chris Gregoire the winner in the race for governor.

In response, Jill Strait, spokeswoman for Dino Rossi, issued this statement:

“At this hour, fewer than 50 percent of ballots have been counted statewide. We saw in 2004 and again in the primary this year that later votes cast and counted trended heavily toward Dino Rossi. If that happens again in this general election the results will change. The Rossi campaign simply does not feel that we are in a position to know who will win. Thus, Dino is not ready to concede. We expect to give a new statement tomorrow after we see a second round of returns in the lower-turnout counties.“