Locke will not seek third term, UW presidency
July 23, 2003
Deciding to spend more time with his young family, Gov. Gary Locke announced Monday he will not seek a third term as Washington's executive.
"As profoundly important as it is to be your governor, it is just as important to me to be a good husband and father," Locke said in a written statement.
The governor is married to former TV newswoman Mona Lee. They have two children, Emily, 6, and Dylan, 4.
Locke had been asked about his re-election plans as early as January, before the Legislature convened to address a more than $2 billion budget deficit.
After Locke made his announcement, rumors abounded that he was in the running to fill the UW's opening for a new president. Locke told The Associated Press he threw away a solicitation to apply for the president's job.
"At this time, he has no plans to seek anything outside a higher office," said Michael Marchand, a spokesman for Locke.
When Locke won his gubernatorial campaign in 1996, he promised to improve education, which he called "the great equalizer." His second term expires in January 2005.
"His main focus will be to serve the state of Washington," Marchand said.
Locke has made no announcements about what he will do when he leaves the Governor's Mansion.
Attorney General Christine Gregoire announced her candidacy for the governor's race after Locke declared he would not run.
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