October 9, 2008 - 23:09

Gregoire, Rossi debate a fourth time

SPOKANE - Washington's two gubernatorial candidate met today for their fourth debate of the season. Democrat Chris Gregoire and Republican Dino Rossi were asked questions from local citizens and a panel of Spokane-area reporters about many of the usual issues like education, tribal gaming, stem cell research and the state budget as well as a handful of issues more pertinent to Eastern Washington.

See below for a recap of today's debate.

Did Gregoire really take a quid pro quo from local tribes?

Gregoire defended her action on negotiating the tribal gambling issue saying, "Our job is not to be a partner in gambling, it is to be the police." She also adamantly denied any wrongdoing, and said the "whole thing was distorted way out of proportion."

Rossi mainly cited newspaper reports that suggested there was a fishy deal, and mentioned that Washington is only state that allows tribal gaming but does not get any revenue sharing. He also said that in 2004 he refused to accept money from tribes and non-tribal casinos.

What will you do to save money in the face of the coming deficit?

Rossi's answered mainly contained the principles of re-emphasizing priorities of government and reducing the size of the governor's office.

Gregoire again brought up the notion that federal policy had put Washington in this position, then listed off a number of things she had done in the last few weeks. She said she reluctantly cut the family leave program, froze hiring, contract and out of state travel that would save hundreds of millions of dollars. She also accused of Rossi of not answer the question with any detail, and added that his current proposals would add over a billion dollars to the coming deficit.

Will the North-South freeway happen even with the impending budget cruch?

Gregoire said the project was one of her top four priorities, and said that the state was en route to make it happen in a three-step process.

Rossi accused Gregoire of lacking the funding for the projected and speculate that she would add a toll to the project, while stating, "we're gonna build this."

How will you win over voters who chose your opponent in 2004 with such negative ads?

Rossi again talked about what he calls a "citizens movement" and touted the large number of "Dinocrats" in the state.

Gregoire highlighted her record as governor as the main reason people would vote for her this time around, and continued on to say she was appalled by the latest Republican Governors Association ads that falsely state her record on sex offenders, and said it was the "lowest of low".

At this point, Rossi asked Gov. Gregoire if she was being about not raising taxes vis a vis his transportation plan, suggesting that she would either have to be for his plan, totally against it, or for raising taxes.

"Mr. Rossi, I am being honest with the voters of Washington," Gregoire shot back.

She then said the plan was called fantasy by experts for its funding numbers before going back to the idea telling the truth.

"I think you have to be honest with the voters and I have been," she concluded.

What will you do with the federal government if milestones are rolled back at Hanford?

Rossi said the last resort would be going to court. Instead he said would build relationships, including with Barack Obama if he were elected, and suggested that was why he was successful in Olympia.

Gregoire highlighted how important Hanford was to the entire region because of the danger of nuclear material seeping into the Columbia River. She said the state was making progress toward building a plant, transporting waste there and keeping it from getting into the river, which she said were crucial steps. "If the federal government fails us we have to sue," she said, because there is too much at stake.

What do you like about your opponent?

Gregoire said that she had seen Rossi with his family and felt he was a "good spouse and a good dad." She used that to pivot into talking about her own family values, and proceeded to say she did not really care for any of his policy positions and rolled off a list of things he had done as a state Senator.

Rossi said the two of them had no personal animosity toward each other, but that they worked well together when he was in the Senate and she was the attorney general. He then refuted some of the things she said about him, and agreed they differ greatly on policy.

Do you support embryonic stem cell research?

Rossi said that he did not support it, and suggested that no significant results have come from embryonic stem cell research compared to adult stem cells, research on which he supports.  Rossi then brought up the failed life sciences institute Gregoire talked about in 2004 and called the issue a political tool.

Gregoire disagreed, and said that embryonic stem cells showed the most promise, but argued that Bush has not provided enough grant money to really look into the them. She feels that Washingtonians ought to look into because of the promise of a breakthrough, and touted the money she has put into a life science discovery fund.

Should adult illegal immigrant receive social services?

Gregoire said that Washington is not a border patrol and that doctors don't want to be border patrol. Instead she said the federal government needs to do a better job.

Rossi said that his overhaul of state agencies would somehow help the situation, and reiterated that he would care for the less fortunate and that citizens services would be covered under a Rossi administration.

Gov. Gregoire then asked Rossi about getting rid of mandates in health care, specifically about what mandates he would get rid of and how they would save money?

Rossi first said that it was misguided for Gregoire to call his plan "deregulation" because Washington has an elected insurance commissioner who would still regulate the industry. He suggested instead that cutting mandates would increase choice and access, and offered the idea that too often small businesses have to choose between having health care and closing their doors because of the few and expensive options.

Gregoire then asked for a rebuttal and stated flat out that Rossi did not answer her question about what he would eliminate and how it would save money.

What would you do with the WASL?

Rossi suggested that the WASL had irreparable brand name damage and said the state needs to get a better test.

Gregoire said that early childhood educational preparation would help in the long run, and the state is working on that.

"To completely change that will set us back," she added about the WASL.

Would you add teacher merit pay or possible increase the student-to-teacher ratio?

Gregoire said the state was already putting in merit pay by way of board certification and needy school bonuses, but said she wanted to reduce class size, not increase it.

Rossi said that he was going to do "what is in best interest of children. "

What is to do about foster care deaths in the sate?

Gregoire said that she cut number in half, but there should be none. She then disputed the Rossi ad that says she cut money from foster care.

Rossi also said that there should be no preventable deaths, in line with this mantra of taking care of the least fortunate.

Both candidates closing speeches contained much of the same material as their speeches from the previous debates, with Rossi asking for change and Gregoire touting accomplishments and the need for strong leaderhip going forward. The main exception came from Rossi who appealed to rural Eastern Washington voters by telling a story about going to Wauconda where his sign was on both of the town's buildings, and said there is "no town too small for me to go to." He will be in Dayton and Quincy on Saturday.

Bryan Bissell is a PolitickerWA.com Reporter and can be reached via email at noreply@politicker.com.

Related topics: debates, Dino Rossi, Chris Gregoire

Comments

Tiffany&Co Return to Tiffany


Tiffany&Co Return to Tiffany Oval Tag Set SET001 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Passport Organizer M60135 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Mini Pochette Accessoires M58009 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Pochette Tulum M60020 Bags
Tiffany&Co Atlas Numeric BAR Pendant NET058 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Roxbury Drive M91372 BLACK Bags
Tiffany&Co STENCIL CHARM Bracelet BRT025 Bags
UGG Women's Duclair black 5201 BLACK Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Cosmetic Pouch M47515 Bags
Burberry Pale Blue Giant Check Cashmere Scarf BGSC002 Bags
Burberry Apricot Giant Check Cashmere Scarf BGSC005 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Porte Tresor International M61217 Bags
Tiffany&Co Elsa Peretti TEARDROP Set SET006 Bags
Tiffany&Co Atlas Numerical Ring RN010 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Partenaire PM R20981 Bags
Burberry Women Purse 33611484-Gold Bags
Burberry Women Handbag 11702098-505 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Wapity Case M58030 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas 6 Key Holder M62630 Bags
UGG Women's Classic Cardy sorbet 5819 SORBET Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Porte Tresor International M61215 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Pochette Cancun M60018 Bags
UGG Women's Knightsbridge espresso 5119 ESPRESSO Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Keepall 55 M41414 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Trolley 50 Bosphore M23259 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sac Chasse M41140 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Alize 24 Heures M41399 Bags
Mont Blanc Ballpoint Pen-Meisterstuck 02866-SN7 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Cruiser Bag 45 M41138 Bags
UGG Women's Swell Tall charred 5139 CHARRED Bags
Gucci Charm Messenger Shoulder Handbag 144388-8420 Bags
Gucci Medium Hobo Shoulder Bag with Striped 181092-9791 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM
Replica Louis Vuitton Multiple Wallet
Replica Louis Vuitton Tivoli PM and Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier canvas
LV Canvas Fashion
Replica Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Speedy 30 N41531 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Spencer Bag N58021 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Speedy 25 N41532 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Mini Pochett N58011 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Sirius 45 M41408 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Damier Canvas Manosque PM N51121 Bags
Burberry Women Handbag 11699457-505 Bags
Replica Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Lockit Horizontal M40104 Bags
Tiffany&Co 1837 Collection Square Hoop earrings ERT041 Bags
Tiffany&Co Return to Tiffany Engraved HEART TAG Choker NET127 Bags

11/15/09 11:20 am

cucu


Do you want one of the omega replicas watch
watch in the watch business ?If so, you may find exactly what you are looking for at omega watches for sale. In fact, all our replica omega have virtually the same outward design as the authentic ones that would make you proud of.

omega watches for sale Maybe you have been looking for quality replica omega before and weren't satisfied with the results. Well,replicas watches one thing's certain: Now you've found the right place! Order a omega watch through our site and soon you will be telling time in style! omega watches for sale

11/09/09 9:46 pm

Sexy Prom Dress Prom night is


Sexy Prom Dress
Prom night is the occasion most teenagers look forward to. Prom marks the end of one phase of life and the beginning of another. It is the night of glamour as it is the last formal
occasion celebrated in high school and it is to be remembered and cherished. This is the reason why dressing up is so important.
Planning for the prom starts weeks in advance with a search for the dress, taking into account material, color and of course, the shoes. These days, it is not enough to be just beautiful. The final effect has to be as stunning and even as sexy as possible. The most popular sexy prom dresses are satin, sequined, vintage and the little black Prom Dresses as well as the hanky hem, the short and spicy prom dress and the classic Cinderella ball gown.
For a sexy prom dress, it is very important to determine the exact kind of dress that would suit you. The dress may look great on a model but it is necessary that it looks great on you too. To that end, take accurate hip, waist and bust measurements. Next, determine the kind of body you have-an A or H type, round or hourglass body-before you ship for a dress to die for.The Prom Dress can be sexier when it's the right color. Dark muted colors like deep gray, wine, forest green, burgundy, midnight blue and cocoa flatter a fuller figure while neutral colors like silver, black, gray, beige, gold and taupe give a longer, leaner look. Long straight cuts and vertical patterns also make the wearer look slim and sexy.
A professional would be able to help design the sexiest dress. There are several online outlets that sell beautiful Prom Dresses. These websites also provide information about choosing the right kind of Prom Dress and also help to design one. These include dresses from popular designers like Jovani, Riva, Alyce, Mori Lee, Cassandra, Je Matadi, Tiffany and Celebrity.
Prom Dress provides detailed information about Prom Dresses, sexy prom dress, best Prom Dress, cheap prom dress and more. Homecoming Dresses is the sister site of Denim Skirts.

10/08/09 2:10 am

Replica Watches


Replica Watches, Breitling Replica Watches, Fake Omega Watch The Versace Replica China market Replica Handbags is growing fast. Replica Christian Dior Beside the global downturn, which Replica Wholesale Handbags affects every country, China Replica Watches Dolce & Gabbana Replica Handbags is quite stable, Gucc Handags Replica Michele Giverchy Handbags Norsa, chief Jimmy Choo Replica Handbags executive of Hermes Handags Replica Montblanc Replica Watches Salvatore Juicy Couture Replica Bags Ferragamo SpA, Prada Handags Replica said in Fake Concord an Dolce & Gabbana Fake Handbags e-mail response to Replica HandBags Designer questions. Mont Blanc Watches Replica ""Definitively, we are Replica Bvlgari optimistic.China s 6 Replica AH Handbags billion euro ($8 billion) luxury market Replica Breitling accounts Replica Mulberry Handbags for just 3 percent Coach Replica of global Chanel Replica sales, compared with Replica Patek Philippe 38 percent in Fake Miu Miu Handbags Europe, 33 Prada Replica Swiss Army Replica percent Replica Watches in Replica Handbags South Bally Handags Replica and North America and 12 percent in Bottega Veneta Replica Handbags Japan, according to Bain & Co. But China Prada Fake Handbags and Brazil Jaeger-LeCoultre Watches are projected to be the two fastest-growing Replica Designer handbags luxury Replica Wholesale handbags Philip Stein Fake Watches markets through 2012, Patek Philippe Watch Replica according to Bally Handags Replica consulting firm Bain & Co.

07/16/09 11:39 pm

Post new comment

  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Allowed HTML tags: <a> <p> <em> <strong> <cite> <code> <ul> <ol> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <br>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.

More information about formatting options

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
4 + 13 =
Solve this simple math problem and enter the result. E.g. for 1+3, enter 4.