If Margin Stands, Rossi Would Have Clout, But Would Face Obstacles

Rossi named governor-elect. If the latest vote count holds up, Dino Rossi would be the first Republican to be elected as Washington’s governor since 1980, and the winner by the smallest margin in the state’s history. Rossi would also be facing a legislature controlled narrowly by Democrats. Those facts would pose challenges to Rossi, but he would have options, according to David Nice, professor of political science at Washington State University. Nice is co-author of the chapter on the history and powers of Washington’s governor’s office in “Washington State Government and Politics” (WSU Press, 2004). Nice said Rossi’s legislative experience means he has some personal contacts in the Legislature that could prove helpful. In addition, he could use the visibility of his office to call attention to issues and, perhaps, mobilize public support. The veto power would give him leverage, and he could be able to make some changes administratively rather than by going through the Legislature. Nice said Rossi’s best chances for getting some work done legislatively would probably be by meeting the Legislature halfway, but that could risk angering some of the more conservative members of his own party. Nice can be reached at dnice@wsu.edu or 509.335.8320.