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Friday, September 26, 2008

The Obama-Rossi Voters

posted by on September 26 at 9:30 AM

Originally posted yesterday evening.

Who’s splitting their votes: Barack Obama for president and Dino Rossi for governor?

According to the Washington Secretary of State, we had 3,418,207 registered voters at the beginning of the month. Recent polls show those voters favor Obama by an 11-point spread (54-43), but Gregoire by only a two-point lead (50-48). This suggests thousands of voters will split their ticket. Maybe these are pro-road, anti-war voters.

Are those Rossi ads that run every five minutes on local TV having an impact? Like Obama, Rossi’s selling himself as an agent of change. Is he riding a backlash against incumbents? Or is he riding a backlash against Republicans, using the “GOP” label to mislead voters about his true Republican colors? Or is Gregoire a dud?

We want to know who these folks are and how they reached their conclusions. Are you one of them? Do you know one? Send me an email or put your theories, explanations, or wild speculations in comments.

RSS icon Comments

1

you can definitely factor frustrated Supersonics fans into the equation. I was/am a huge Supes fan, and was disgusted by the do-nothing blathering of Gregoire in regards to letting the team leave, but even with her lameness I am still so disgusted by Rossi's transparent sliminess that ultimately i could never vote for him, and will vote dem. But more by default and lack of choice than anything else. And she looks like the grinch.

Posted by Raven | September 25, 2008 6:07 PM
2

That's SO Raven!

Posted by kid icarus | September 25, 2008 6:12 PM
3

I imagine they're the "Throw The Bums Out" crowd (who usually aren't very well-informed).

Posted by DOUG. | September 25, 2008 6:12 PM
4

i know a lot of democrats that cant stand gregoire.... plain and simple.. rossi is obviously a damn nightmare but we all saw in 2000 what happens when we are forced to choose between the evils of two lessers...

i may vote for gregoire but i am going to hold my nose while i do it... but i am not a democrat

Posted by Scott Ketterling | September 25, 2008 6:19 PM
5

I will vote for Gregoire but seriously, what has she done to make people WANT to vote for her?

Posted by Andrew | September 25, 2008 6:20 PM
6

Andrew: Um...shown leadership on a number of issues? Sure is a damn sight better than Gary "I reproduced in office!" Locke.

Posted by TVDinner | September 25, 2008 6:25 PM
7

My dad is going for Rossi because he's all butt-hurt about losing the Sonics. He's going for Obama because I think he doesn't trust McCain and fucking hates Palin. My mom will go Dem/Dem and cancel out his Rossi vote.

Posted by Jessica | September 25, 2008 6:32 PM
8

I hope Rossi gets in so he can finally do as he promised: overturn special treatment laws for homosexuals.

Oh wait, no I don't.

Posted by The other AJ | September 25, 2008 6:38 PM
9

Gregoire's adds are insulting. Stem cell research and lead paint in toys? If it weren't for Rossi's ties to big development, highway construction and such I'd seriously consider leaving the governor box blank on my ballot.

Posted by kinaidos | September 25, 2008 6:39 PM
10

I was registering voters on Capitol Hill last weekend while wearing an Obama button, and found that there's a lot of Obama love cohabiting with Gregoire hate.

By way of explanation, a few people told me that they had friends in prisons that Gregoire "cracked down" on-- no smoking, etc. She really needs to do a better job of explaining why she's a good governor to them.

They were all adamant about dropping Gregoire (one even asked me not to vote for her). I suggested that while they may not like her, that doesn't mean that they should vote Rossi. They seemed to not know or care much about him, so I guess that might keep them from doing much damage.

Posted by V | September 25, 2008 6:42 PM
11

Around the time of The Last Sonics Game, my emotions were in turmoil, and I was seriously considering Rossi - I even held a large banner at The Last Game saying "GREGOIRE - HERE ARE YOUR 133 VOTES!" - but then I heard Rossi interviewed on KJR 950, and they asking him simple questions like "will you push for a key arena renovation", leading him and practically giving him the opportunity to convert sonics fans on the spot, but he waffled and did the usual republican double speak, refusing to take a firm position. It became clear to me that he was not a Sonics supporter and was merely pandering, much like the "maverick" McCain and his choice of crazy ass moose killin parrot-head Palin. We in Washington State are stuck with do nothing self-righteous liberals, but they are still a cut above the cunning linguistics of the stanky Bush worshippers.

Posted by Ravin | September 25, 2008 6:50 PM
12

In 2004, a couple I knew split their vote like this: Democratic Wife was a big Kerry supporter and tepid Gregoire supporter. Republican Husband loved Rossi, and wasn't passionate about Bush, but would vote for him. Instead of canceling each other out, they made a deal: She'd vote for Rossi, if he'd vote for Kerry.

(When it came down to the recount, she was kicking herself.)

Posted by Amy | September 25, 2008 6:57 PM
13

One could expect the Western Wash Liboloons to go for Obama no matter what, but the fact they are abandoning Gregoire really speaks to her incredible ineptitude. I mean, only in the worst of situations would a Seattle Lib vote against a big government, big spending bloatocrat like Gregoire.

Posted by John Bailo | September 25, 2008 7:10 PM
14

I'd prefer to vote 3rd party and still might but I'll vote Rossi before I vote Gregoire.

I'm a Sonics fan but that has little to do with it. Rossi is just pandering, no more taxes is his platform, but it's ok if it's for sports teams? I don't think so.

The state senate and house will still be run by Dems and with Rossi, who I despise, in office, the two might be able to accomplish something.

Posted by Babill O'Riley | September 25, 2008 7:14 PM
15

Pro roads D's?? Or just maybe it's not even the same people (if you assume many people will not vote in both races).

Me: Obama. Wore the togs today, you can tell it has a good impact. People seem to read over the words OBama Biden before making eye contact and it prompts some to make appreciative comments.

Gregoire -- meh. I'll hold my nose. She wanted that Viaduct and doesn't seem to get climate change.

Rossi- no way no how no Rossi.

Or maybe pro roads D's?

Posted by PC | September 25, 2008 7:16 PM
16

Mr. Bailo:

The "big government, big spending bloatocrat" today is Mr. GW Bush.

Remember?

He's socializing an important sector of the economy. Just like your basic social democratic theory says you have to do at times. Why even Churchill created unemployment insurance ( a total violatio of "free market" principles, forcing people to insure themselves against certain risks) and wanted to nationalize the railroads in the UK.

like Gregoire.

Posted by PC | September 25, 2008 7:19 PM
17

16:

Mr Bush governs in the post-Federal domestic policy era. Almost all the important functions: education, health, welfare are under the parvenu of the state Governors, not Presidents. As such Mr. Bush's absolute increases, are not much relative to the total size of Federal government versus all Government. I contrast that with the quasi-Governmental local agencies such as Sound Transit, which has single handledly bankrupted the state budget while delivering almost nothing...and being 15 years late about it too!

Posted by John Bailo | September 25, 2008 7:30 PM
18

Is Gregoire even campaigning?

Posted by Mahtli69 | September 25, 2008 8:37 PM
19

I have been told numerous times that it is because of the Sonics. I am surprised Rossi is not playing that up more. I have had many solid D's explain to me how she messed up the thing with the Sonics and they actually considered voting out ALL Democrats in office. It is really bad but some in Seattle refuse to see it because they don't follow sports.

Posted by Gay Seattle | September 25, 2008 8:40 PM
20

There are always lots of gullible people swayed by a Gay Republican Liar.

Here endeth the lesson.

But, in the end, all that matters is turnout within sight of the Space Needle.

And that is the corallory.

Focus on what you CAN do not what you CAN'T do. The enemies of Freedom and Justice want you to do otherwise - don't play their game.

REGISTER your friends. REGISTER your neighbors. REGISTER your co-workers. REGISTER your relatives.

And ensure they VOTE.

This you CAN do.

Posted by Will in Seattle | September 25, 2008 10:27 PM
21

There's a huge digital billboard along I5 near Fife that says something along the lines of, "Voting Obama? Vote for Change In Olympia, too. Vote Rossi"

Rossi hasn't really offered anything more substantial this time around, just taking a page from a popular play book. Only needs to sway 134 people, right?

Posted by J | September 25, 2008 11:02 PM
22

While there are plenty of reasons I'd never be voting for Rossi, there are fuck all reasons I'd actually be voting *for* Gregoire.

Four years of control of the state of Washington, and she's done jack... to the point of actively pissing off the environmental community with threats to veto smart-growth legislation. Her politics have been played out as if she was facing an oppositional legislature, instead of her own party.

She's the Gray Davis of Washington... only when she's replaced by a Republican, it won't be a centrist like Arnold, but a hard-right hack, and it'll be no one's fault but her own.

She's just, frankly, useless.

Posted by Blahblahblah | September 25, 2008 11:08 PM
23

No idea who these voters are but I was stuck behind one of them in traffic. It was an SUV with two bumper stickers on it: one that said "Dino Rossi" and the other that said "Goddess Bless".

WHO ARE YOU?!?!?!

Posted by Tina | September 25, 2008 11:34 PM
24

Gregoire's campaign is the thing that is really useless. My bet is that she is going to lose, and then nothing will get done in the state because we'll have Rossi and a Democratic legislature.

I asked Gregoire about whether she'd pay attention to the LGBT community not long ago, and her angryish, motherish response was that not only had she signed the DP bill but had shoved it thorough the Senate.

She's a decent manager of government but a shitty politician. Gregoire's campaign can't see the forest for the trees- there's no central campaign theme.

Posted by Dave Coffman | September 26, 2008 1:32 AM
25

That was my SUV: I go both ways.

Posted by Ms. Cranky Pants | September 26, 2008 5:20 AM
26

Rossi has ads out all the time. People watch TV and don't see Gregoire's face anywhere on it.

They grow suspicious. Why doesn't she have TV ads? What is she hiding?

GREGOIRE IS THE WA STATE PALIN. People don't much about her, and she refuses to talk about her stance on issues.

Posted by Original Monique | September 26, 2008 8:43 AM
27

I am not voting for Gregoire or Rossi. Instead, I will be writing in some candidate. I don't know who yet, but if I don't like anyone, hell, I'll write in myself. But no way I'm voting for either of them.

Posted by Emily | September 26, 2008 8:46 AM
28

Will someone tell me what Gregiore has shown leadership in?!?!? Locke at least chased bats out of the executive mansion. And yeah, he fucked his wife.

How long did the lead in toy thing take here 4 months?

I was going to vote for her but reading some of the comments above, I may just vote for a third party at this point.

Posted by Andrew | September 26, 2008 9:43 AM
29

Are you people frikking serious? The Sonics play a GAME. The governor deals with several more important things.

And @15 - the Gov has done a terrible job selling herself, but she definitely does "get" climate change, and actually has been very effective on leading with regards to that. She sponsored and signed some of the toughest climate change bills in the country. I'd sure love to see more, but you can bank on Rossi doing his best to undo all progress that's been made.
I don't care if you don't like Gregoire, but if you like forests, clean air, and Puget Sound, for god's sake, don't vote for Rossi.

Also - his "climate change plan" would actually INCREASE emissions.

Posted by seriously? | September 26, 2008 9:47 AM
30

Maybe some voters aren't purely partisan? Maybe they consider each elected office on a case by case basis?

I'm not voting along the stated Obama/Rossi line, but as a non-partisan moderate, I can understand the reasoning... and understand why it makes no sense to many partisan Democrats.

Posted by Gomez | September 26, 2008 9:57 AM
31

I haven't been watching enough tv to see ads by either candidate, but a No On Rossi video short was released the other day, paid for by SEIU Healthcare 775NW SSF.

Worth passing along to Rossi supporters, for sure. Close The Book On Dino Rossi.

Posted by kerri harrop | September 26, 2008 9:59 AM
32

I'm not voting for either of the toads. Rossi is a scumbag, and someone tell me just what the fuck Gregoire has accomplished in the last four years? Laughed my ass off when she announced she would show us her new viaduct proposal after the election. I'm going with a third party. I know I should vote for the lesser of the two evils, but these two clowns should be tarred and feathered.

Posted by Rotten666 | September 26, 2008 10:00 AM
33

Anyone voting based on the Sonics: please lose your ballot.

I would never vote for Rossi over Gregoire, and I think she's done an all right - if lackluster - job as governor, but she is an absolutely terrible campaigner - as has been said many times, I know. If she loses I will be disappointed to live under Rossi as Governor, but if it gets us a viable candidate in 2012 it might be worth it.

Posted by Levislade | September 26, 2008 10:04 AM
34

@17 - Mr. B - even though most of what you write is Maytag agitating, single words still count: parvenu essentially means arriviste (and we all know some of those); the word you wanted was purview - legalese for 'scope'. Still nice of you to defend W - certainly a thankless toadying task.

Posted by RHETT ORACLE | September 26, 2008 10:15 AM
35


-Huge sports fan...pissed off about Frank Chopp, Gregoire, and the other state democrats handling of the Sonics situation. They just had to make an honest attempt to work with Balmer group and I wouldn't have been pissed off about the Sonics.

I will vote for Gregoire while holding my nose only because of Rossi. I may leave the state democratic ballots blank as a pathetic weak-ass protest. I gave them no money this year and sent it all to Obama.

-Rossi is a effing crazy right wing douchebad and I will NEVER vote for a republican.

-I think Gregoire is in SERIOUS trouble though. I do not understand what she stands for anymore.

Posted by cw | September 26, 2008 10:43 AM
36

I'm the douchebad or douchebag!

Posted by cw | September 26, 2008 10:48 AM
37

I'm not going to vote for Rossi, but I can't blame any Democrat who thinks that's a good idea. I'm probably the most informed news junkie in my circle of friends and I can't think of anything that Gregiore has done in the last 4 years other than waffle about the viaduct.

Rossi is scum, but I think he'll win this time around.

Posted by John | September 26, 2008 10:48 AM
38

seriously, does anyone know why gregoire has an invisible campaign?? even her few tv ads are ill-advised, poorly produced, and desperate. does she have no money?

Posted by jrrrl | September 26, 2008 10:51 AM
39

I find it incredible that the same SFB's (shit for brains) who are always "you can't raise MY taxes FOR THAT!" bullshit say because we didn't spend hundred of millions of taxpayers dollars to save their sports team (of all fucking things) want to vote for Rossi. That just shows how really stupid some people are. Some fucking priorities people.

Posted by Vince | September 26, 2008 11:03 AM
40

I haven't read all the comments, I'm sure this has been said, but I think one huge reason Gregoire trails relative to Obama in the state is the Sonics. I'm a liberal, I voted for Gregorie before and I will again, but I don't really like her much. I think there are a lot of apolitical sports fans who hold her (and Nickels) accountable for the team leaving.

I also think Rossi's ads are more effective propaganda than Gregoire's, and that between that, the Sonics, the viaduct, and the GOP ballot-listing bullshit, Gregoire is toast. I hope not.

Posted by Eric Reynolds | September 26, 2008 9:26 PM

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