Governor Gregoire just put out a press release announcing the creation of the health care commission.

That’s peachy. But the interesting thing about the press release is this:

Governor Gregoire and Senator Pat Thibaudeau will serve as the Co-Chairs of the commission, which will hold its first meeting on June 22, 2006.

Is the governor offering Thibaudeau a plum for her resume in her tough re-election battle. (Popular Democratic Rep. Ed Murray is running against Thibaudeau in the primary.)

Or is Gregoire offering Thibaudeau a graceful way out?

Indeed, one of the mightiest Democratic forces, SEIU (the service employees union), just gave its sole endorsement to Murray in the race.

Why didn’t they endorse longtime incumbent, Thibaudeau?

“It was a question of effectiveness,” says SEIU 775 spokesman Adam Glickman. “Ed has an impressive record of getting things done. We need more people like that in the senate. Pat’s been a great voice on health care and a strong supporter. We need more effective legislators.”