Washington Democrats continue to make an effort to destroy things that actually help the state. Republican Dino Rossi resigned from his position with the Forward Washington Foundation earlier this week after being accused of running an “illegal shadow campaign,” according to The Associated Press. Rossi helped start up the Forward Washington Foundation, whose goal is “to promote and offer proposals that will improve the quality of life and economic opportunities for all of Washington’s citizens.” The foundation is a non-profit and non-partisan organization, but Democrats still attempted to make this a political issue. They have tried to ruin an organization’s and a great man’s reputation. Democrats have made false claims stating the money donated to this foundation is being used on Rossi’s 2008 governor campaign, one that does not even exist yet. There is even an investigation by the state Public Disclosure Commission, which I’m sure will turn up no evidence that supports these slanderous claims against Rossi. Now the Forward Washington Foundation will have to deal with unnecessary publicity instead of being able to focus completely on trying to improve our state. Rossi has not stated he is even running in 2008, but with this latest news break, I believe he definitely should.

I am happy and Republicans should be too. That Democrats are already trying to find dirt on Rossi is actually great news; it means that they feel threatened. Democrats realize they barely squeaked by to win the 2004 election and now we have seen how Gov. Chris Gregoire continues to lack the leadership needed to run our great state by failing to improve on the issues most important to the people. Democrats are going to have a real battle on their hands in the 2008 election. Look forward to seeing more headlines bashing Rossi since one of the main ways Washington Democrats like to argue is to bring their opponent down by damaging a person’s character rather than building up their own candidates or debating on real issues.

If Rossi announces his campaign to run for governor, it would be a giant step in the right direction for Washington. I believe the people of Washington will realize Rossi is right on the issues important to us and will greatly help economic growth in our state with his strong values and leadership expertise. Gregoire has not represented the people of Washington, which is (after all) her job.

Her stance has been weak on too many important issues and we cannot afford to vote her in again if she decides to run for re-election. It is time we do something beneficial and elect someone who can make a real difference. The last time Republican governor in the state was in the 1980’s, and that is a shame. It has been too long a wait for Republicans, so for the sake of our futures and our children’s futures; Dino, please run for governor.