The room rumbled on the evening of Nov. 4 at the Westin Hotel in Seattle as a crowd of Democratic supporters cheered for Gov. Chris Gregoire in unison, “Four more years. Four more years.”
The room erupted in applause as a very confident Gregoire took the stage following the announcement of the election results.
Gregoire addressed her supporters at the Democratic rally after major news organizations declared her the winner over Republican Dino Rossi.
The Cascadia Community College students interviewed in the Oct. 29 Reporter were surely pleased with the outcome.
As of Nov. 5, Gregoire had 323,927 votes (65.44 percent), opposed to Rossi’s 170,100 (34.36 percent).
Rossi conceded that afternoon at his Redmond campaign headquarters.
“Our state faces some difficult times ahead and I wish Christine Gregoire the best of luck,” Rossi said. “Gov. Gregoire made an iron-clad promise that in this term in office, the citizens will not see any taxes or fees increased. It is fair and right for the voter to hold her to this pledge.”
It was second straight win for Gregoire over Rossi, who lost by 133 votes in 2004.
After a long, grueling campaign, it’s time to go to work, Gregoire said.
“All the negative ads are done,” Gregoire said and went on to thank Rossi for running and for all he has done for the state of Washington. “It is time for us to come together as one great state.”
Gregoire thanked voters for braving the long lines throughout election day and led the crowd in unison, cheering, “Yes we can. Yes we can.”
Standing before her supporters, Gregoire counted her blessings and praised the state of Washington.
“As one Washington, we will work our way through those tough times and we will be better and we will be stronger.” She said, adding, “We are building a new economy and it is going to be a green, clean economy.”
Gregoire was joined on stage by senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell. The two congratulated Gregoire on her win.
“Yes we can, and yes we did,” declared Murray as she stood along side Cantwell.
“This election night is every one of yours. You have worked your hearts and souls out,” Murray said, thanking the crowd.
