Gov. race focuses on economy

In a few short days, Gary Locke will officially start his term as a lame-duck governor, making way for either Christine Gregoire or Dino Rossi to take his place.

With the state's economic shortfalls and slow economy, former State Rep. Rossi (R) and state Attorney General Gregoire (D), both preach messages of change, but disagree on how to get that accomplished.

"We've got to create my goal of 250,000 new jobs," said Gregoire. "I want a variety of jobs to meet the needs of our workforce."

Gregoire, who has sat in the attorney general's seat for 12 years, has mentioned alternative energy and life science as two avenues for the economy to create new jobs.

"We've got a golden opportunity to lead the nation with respect to life sciences," said Gregoire. "Microsoft and Boeing aren't coming, so where's your economic engine of tomorrow?"

Rossi, elected to the state senate in 1996, agrees that new jobs should be created outside of Boeing and Microsoft. He, however, differs on how that should be done.

"I've got to help small businesses be successful," said Rossi. "They look at the cost of doing business (in Washington) and it makes no sense ... We have to change that culture and that attitude."

It's the economic situation that Rossi cites as the reason he is running for governor. He refers to his 21 years in the business world as a commercial real estate agent as a reason he can improve the economy.

"We've got to have a change," said Rossi. "We need people making money. If they're making money, they're paying taxes."

Gregoire also said the economy is one of the main reasons she wants to run for governor. Acording to Gregoire, she would like her two daughters to be able to find jobs in Washington state once they finish school.

Higher education is an issue that both candidates have touched on. Rossi said higher education is "one of those keys to helping the business climate."

"We should make sure that financial aid is available," said Rossi, a 1982 Seattle University graduate who majored in business. "That's one way that we can truly help to make sure that higher education is available."

Gregoire, a UW graduate, noted that higher education plays a role in the economy.

"We need to view higher education for what it is, our economic future," said Gregoire. "I want a real tuition policy - not the one we have now where Olympia cuts and they (the UW) raise tuition."

Gregoire said her two college-aged daughters, who both attend college out-of-state, are one reason college students should vote for her.

"The best thing we can do for college students today is to make sure [college] is affordable ... and that there are jobs waiting there for them when they are out of college," said Gregoire.

Rossi argued that what is needed is a change in command.

"We've had the same people running the show in Olympia for 20 years ... We're broke and out of work," said Rossi. "[Gregoire and I] are different, and we are going in a different direction."