I now have some answers from the Washington State Patrol to my questions about Mrs. Gregoire's allegations of death threats from talk radio. It does not look good for the besieged former Attorney General.
Gregoire's exact words:
Reporter: Have there been any death threats or things that have caused, given the patrol reason for concern?With that answer, Gregoire very clearly implies that the state patrol believes that "these talk show radios" are a cause for concern. But the patrol denies that it believes there is any threat from talk radio. Ouch.Gregoire: The level of discussion on some of these talk show radios is believed to be a bit concerning with respect to some people.
I wouldn't say that this episode rises to the level of scandal, but Gregoire's comments were pretty pathetic and an admission that the former Attorney General is both unsuccessful at establishing her legitimacy and increasingly unconfident of her political viability.
A spokesman for the patrol also made the following points in response to my questions:
* The WSP, as a matter of policy, does not report threats against the governor or anyone else, it only reports when an arrest is made.
* I asked about the arrest that was reported, and whether this was a credible threat or merely the words of psychiatric patient. The spokesman said it was "more the latter" and that there was no indication that the suspect had taken any steps to act on the threat.
* There have been other such threats against previous governors and other elected officials in the past. He couldn't give me a number, but said nothing to indicate that this particular incident was unprecedented in nature.
* I asked if there was an assessment that Gregoire's security was at heightened risk. The spokesman said only that "because of the contentiousness of the election, emotions are running high", and he also said that Gregoire's security has not been increased.
* I specifically asked about talk radio, and he said that he is not aware of any WSP discussions pertaining to the governor's security where talk radio has been mentioned as a risk factor [my paraphrase]. i.e., it was as much of a statement that talk radio is a non-issue that one could expect.
* In general, the spokesman explained, the chief of the patrol makes recommendations to the governor on security measures, but the ultimate decision is the governor's.
* He made one other significant point which I haven't seen discussed in the newspapers, and would best be confirmed by reporters and others who followed Gov. Locke closely: It is "nothing new" for a governor to withhold his schedule and that "Gov. Locke withheld his schedule".
After listening to Gregoire's actual statement and speaking with spokesmen for both Mrs. Gregoire and the WSP, and putting this in the context of other news reports, my interpretation is this:
Gregoire started her term with the expectation of having a number of public events to try to help establish a popular mandate, a "healing tour" as she called it. She discovered after a few weeks that not only is she not very popular, but that giving advanced notice of these appearances only enabled her critics the opportunity to organize peaceful, but embarrasing protests to greet her. She then used the excuse of the contentious political debate and the one incident of heated words from a psychiatric patient to fabricate the notion of a bona fide climate of threat to her physical security in order to avoid the embarrassment of orange-clad protesters. The conflation of talk radio with death threats was 100% baseless and presumably designed to discredit the legitimate dissent which occurs on radio.
Not a good moment for the Gregoire administration.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at February 13, 2005 07:46 AM | Email ThisJust another effort to distract or redirect attention from the sham that was the governor's race. What's most disappointing is that this attempt is so patently weak and unimaginative.
Posted by: dkpcowboy on February 13, 2005 08:00 AMProbably that this statement is being taken out of context, etc. CG needs a good spin doctor.
Posted by: JG on February 13, 2005 08:05 AMShe is disingenious to put it lightly. I believe that she is trying very hard to emulate California in more ways than one. She campaigned on establishing a "Life Science Discovery Fund" with 350 million from the Tobacco money. The bills in the legislature indicate that it's Stem Cell Research. She probably calculated that she would lose votes if she called it what it is, hence the fancy title. I also read an article last week about her withholding the budget. I also think she is waiting until the election court action is done, before she unveils it complete with NEW taxes..... She's devious and calculating and knows very well how to negotiate with words and set up the "scene."
Posted by: sgmmac on February 13, 2005 08:05 AMIt has this hint of desperation. You know it is like she is on this bull and just praying for that 8 second bell to ring and allow her a chance to get off.
Let's hope for a llooonngg 8 seconds.
Posted by: I am Coyote on February 13, 2005 08:19 AMCriticisms by the opposition of a sitting Governor's talks and actions is what democracy is all about.
I guess we're now back to normal circumstances and you've totally given up your Quixotic effort to overturn a legitimate election result.
Congratulations on finally accepting reality.
Posted by: Nelson on February 13, 2005 08:50 AMYou are absolutely correct and I agree totally with you. Thanks to the resurgence of the real people in America, it will only be a short time before the Republican thugs now in office in Washington (DC, that is) will be kicked out on their butts and we'll be able to return to a government "of the people, by the people and for the people."
Posted by: Nelson on February 13, 2005 09:29 AMPerhaps it would be more accurate to state: "It will only be a short time before the Democratic thugs now in office in Washington (State, that is)will be kicked on on their butts."
I think the key words are "short time."
Nelson, can you tell me the last election where the Democrats actually gained in any category: Senators, Representatives, Governors, state Legislatures? I believe since Bill Clinton took office, it has been nothing but losing in the overall national picture for Democrats.
Resurgence? What resurgence? Maybe here in Washington state in the Legislature, but definitely not on a national scale. And a Democrat Governor in Washington state "winning" only barely and under VERY questionable circumstances and maneuvers? Who predicted that? Is that a sign of a Democrat "resurgence"?
Not by a long shot.
Thank you Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe!!
Posted by: Scott in Carnation on February 13, 2005 09:48 AMWhat is your vision of a perfect govt? Can't wait to hear it.
Posted by: MB on February 13, 2005 09:49 AMDon't forget the "mantle of victimhood" it lends to her...liberals eat that stuff up.
Posted by: JeanneB on February 13, 2005 10:56 AMThe governor's schedule should be a matter of public record, no? Why don't you send in a PDR?
I would suggest posturing for a lawsuit, at least you would have "damages" to claim if they refused or were overly "vague"...
Whatever happend to getting a RICO going?
Posted by: CR ACTIVIST on February 13, 2005 11:01 AMWhile I don't doubt Stefan's theory that CG's office is using this to their political advantage to avoid protesters, your logic is simply flawed.
For one thing, if CG is so hated as Governor by so many people in this state, then not publishing her schedule is hardly going to shield her from very much animosity.
Unless, of course, the only loud protesting occurring is like when Stefan and ONE other person heckled Ron Sims and Dean Logan recently.
And, for another, it doesn't matter whether or not CG misunderstood the WSP about the nature of threats to her security.
The bottom line is that IT IS CLEAR that there is a heightened security threat to her and the folks around her. And we know this because DR and his advisors are still receiving security.
Posted by: Michael on February 13, 2005 11:12 AMI think (only my opinion with no basis in anything but) that she expected to win by a considerable number of votes vs. a candidate that very few people knew. However, there was a hitch, people turned out (and albeit a slim majority) voted for Rossi and she lost to this unknown (the Repub's 3rd choice). Yet, she was able to heist the election in the 2nd recount, get herself (or King County got her) in office. Perhaps in her world, justice had been served and her rightful position as Governor (her presumed cakewalk to the mansion) had been restored. Now that she has what she wanted, a large portion of this state will not accept this. To her, she is the heir apparent to Locke, yet she cannot escape the ghost of the revote and the continued legal challenges that persistently follow her. In her mind she is perhaps thinking, " this is not how it was suppossed to be"
These are merely speculative thoughts of mine....
He was pretty frank in that just about every district it can go either way. There are about 70% of voters that vote party line. The other 30% vote for the candidate. That 30% is a very tough sell.
Ruth Bennett believes she swayed the vote in Rossi's favor by targeting a liberal agenda. Her research shows that most of her votes came from democrat stongholds. I think she might be right.
Based on his stupid and flawed policies, and the wacky religious jerks now running the GOP, we're now reentering a political arena like 1932, when Democrats began a 20-year run of winning everything in the US.
Posted by: Nelson on February 13, 2005 11:45 AMIf the Repubs run a weak candidate against Hillary in 08 then you could be right.
Posted by: flexnfx on February 13, 2005 12:00 PMIs is is?
Cindy
Posted by: cindy on February 13, 2005 12:26 PMWhen was the last time that Republicans won anything?)
...Try the 2004 Governor's election (barely)
Posted by: flexnfx on February 13, 2005 01:29 PMIn addition to winning two counts for the Governor's election in 2004....there is this little office known as the ATTORNEY GENERAL, which a very bright guy named Rob McKenna won handily. Republicans are now in charge of all the state's lawyers in an office completely independent of the Governor.
And if there is any justice in this world, the current Attorney General's office will be doing a full investigation of the conditions by which the former Attorney General gained office.
Read the news much?
Posted by: Larry on February 13, 2005 01:36 PMNelson, you are either delusional or trolling or both.
I say you are both.
Posted by: Scott in Carnation on February 13, 2005 01:44 PMI think that says it all.
Posted by: Larry on February 13, 2005 01:50 PMAnyway we'll know that they're really scared when the schools eliminate ORANGE crayons in the name of diversity and preventing "hate" speech. What is CG going to do next? Use the Nat Guard to bomb something on court day?
Posted by: Victor on February 13, 2005 01:50 PMShe got what she wanted (with the hand-recount), but I think that she realizes that has doomed her politically (barring the Repubs runa complete idiot in 2008)
Posted by: flexnfx on February 13, 2005 01:54 PMShe got what she wanted (with the hand-recount), but I think that she realizes that she has doomed herself politically (barring the Repubs runa complete idiot in 2008)
Thanks for the intro.
My congrats at least to Stefan for including this time the correct question and response given. One can now draw their own conclusions.
I don't think it amounts to anything. Gregoire did have a threat against her and her family. No one on this blog did.
I never liked the left or right trying to attack someone for a word or two they say in public. The left usually does this as part of their political correctness agenda to attack anyone who disagrees with them as a racist.
Stating that talk radio "a bit concerning" is the biggest understatement of the year. Whether one believes this of The G. Gordon Liddy show, Air America or Limbaugh, its all the same.
Talk radio is a forum where people canand do call up and vent their latest conspiracy such as Black Helicopters or the like.
Talk radio has some good stuff sometimes and Schram even acknowledged it the other day. But at other times it is filled with various conspiracy theories.
Security increased for both Rossi and Gregoire by the decision of the Washington State Partol, focusing just on the extra protection given Gregoire and not Rossi is one sided.
I guess the opposing blog could complain about the cost Rossi is inflicting the taxpayers by accepting WSP protection when it isn't needed.
As the ABC libertarian would say:
"Give me a break."
Posted by: Erik on February 13, 2005 02:12 PMRight now the GOP controls the Presidency, as it
well for another four years at least. It has
majorities in both the House and Senate. Republican
Presidents have appointed the majority of
Supreme Court seats, Appeals Court Justices, and
District Court Justices. Those majorities will only
expand over the next four years as Bush appoints
another 200+ judges.
As Bush's second term progresses, he will continue
to replace Clinton appointees on government
boards and commissions as their terms expire.
At the state level, a majority of the nation's
governors are Republican representing a
majority of the American population. Republicans
also control the majority of state legislatures
and state legislative seats.
In case you have forgotten, in 1932 the
Democrats controlled the Presidency, and both
the House and Senate.
And Nelson, "religious jerks," as put it, happen
to have much larger families than the non-religious.
Those children will grow up to vote and
constitute an ever increasing share of the
electorate.
Oughten you adjust rhetoric to that demographic
reality?
I discuss this in detail on my blog.
Posted by: DeadManVoting (aka Iguana) on February 13, 2005 02:31 PMThat's exactly correct! This is why Democrats have a major credibility gap with most people.
Posted by: DeadManVoting (aka Iguana) on February 13, 2005 02:42 PMDemocrat Robert Byrd's KKK affiliation, coincidence? methinks not. why didn't they loose that guy years ago?
they refused to let go of Slavery in the south which cost the dems their existance durring that time. Compare the slavery ideaology to organized labor for a minute, it hit me at walmart yesterday. A guy driving a jalopy with a kerry edwards sticker on it. The poor guy shopping at walmart (against his trained union thinking) while being brainwashed into voting for 2 of the riches dudes in his party. the guy not concious that the union is holding him down. enslaved.
the Dems just have this undying need to CONTROL. They want to control everything. They cannot stand it that, we as citizens have rights, property rights, gun rights, right to smoke, drive SUV's and right to freedom of religion. For 40 yrs they were eerily building a Govn't empire for themselves when along came Newt and exposed them. They have been screeching ever since that republicans are Nazi's, well look in the mirror KKKbryd & friends.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/politics/politics-politics-dean.html?ex=1108875600&en=2156facff561716c&ei=5065&partner=MYWAY
YEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAAA. Oh yeah, revote.
Posted by: niceville on February 13, 2005 03:07 PMThis would present great campaign strategy that would resonate with the voters. Why should this be a secret ? If anything, this may have a positive effect and the State Legislature would drop some of their massive spending programs in favor of more consumer friendly programs. And if not, this message will be as relevant in six months as it is right now.
As for CG, no big surprise - she has no motivation to reinvent herself like Hillary is. If you want a microcosm as what it would be like if by some abhorrent mistake Her highness Hillary was elected as President in 2008, your'e witnessing here in the other Washington. Scary stuff - eh ?
Posted by: KS on February 13, 2005 03:19 PMGood point, with possibly one minor adjustment. Not different standards of integrity. Rather, integrity versus the absence of integrity.
Posted by: dkpcowboy on February 13, 2005 04:02 PMMan, is she ever spending political capital. She ran out of her own a long, long time ago. She has spent most of the political capital of her party. She spent Ron Sims capital and Logan's capital; those two are ruined. Is fat-boy Nickels next?
She's like the black widow. In her wake is the smell of the death.
Posted by: DeadManVoting (aka Iguana) on February 13, 2005 04:31 PMYour welcome. I'm glad you have a sense of humor.
On the more positive side, there was a nice article on Dino front page of the KC Journal. Hang in there, Washington, Dino's coming. Just keep flashing those orange revote car magnets and keep the issue in front of the public...
Posted by: Michele S on February 13, 2005 05:50 PMYou are totally and completely incorrect. In 1932 and for the 16 years prior to that, Republicans controlled the White House, the Senate and the House.
It was the election of November 1932 that threw out the failed GOP president, Senate & House. Democrats took over in 1933 and ruled for two decades because the country was disgusted with how the Republican Party ruined the country.
That is the situation we have now. By 2006 or 2008 at the latest, the nation's revulsion at the totally failed Republican policies will result in a monstrous Democratic landslide.
Posted by: Nelson on February 13, 2005 06:06 PMFraudoire lies because she has no integrity.
A troll can try.
Though I am disappointed in myself as my disagreement ratio posting is decreasing as time goes on.
Let me check my look.... Ok, no orange yet, but you never know.
Posted by: Erik on February 13, 2005 07:27 PMI think that it won't be long before they start resorting to armed insurrection. That is usually the only way totalitarians can get attention (like in Iraq) or, worse, take control (like in Washington state).
Posted by: Iguana on February 13, 2005 08:00 PMthey have online meetings every sunday @ 9 pm eastern
also a blog there
I particlularly love the "I am a Republican Because..."
Erik,
No political affiliation to any party needed to wear orange! Just a belief that All Washingtonians deserve elections that are clean.
It's the year 2005 with database technology being what it is felons, dead, non citizens and double votes should be ZERO. With a simple procedural change in provisional voting the number cast at the polls could have been ZERO.
Bottom Line whatever party you align with it is time to say NO to "acceptable error rates" when the errors that make up that rate are so easy to fix!
Just look at all of the Gregoire trolls in here!
Baiting and spinning their little hearts out! (This is a sure sign of desperation!)
Have you people no shame???
It's almost over for you.....your boat is sinking very fast....
Posted by: Deborah on February 13, 2005 11:33 PMFor Gregoire, the best thing she can do is keep her mouth shut or stick to a very carefully edited script. She seems to only damage herself more when she speaks w/o the supervision of the party and/or advisors.
Posted by: flexnfx on February 13, 2005 11:50 PM1) You need to bone up on political history. The
Democrats took over the House soon after the 1930
election. Prior to that, the Republicans had
controlled the House for twelve years, not 16.
Woodrow Wilson was the Democratic president until
1920. The Republicans helds the Presidency for
twelve years consecutively after Wilson, not
sixteen.
2) In 1932 FRD won the Presidency. In 2004
John Kerry lost the Presidency.
3) 2008 could mark the begining of a new era of
Democratic dominance. Then again, perhaps the
Republicans will remain in power. Noone can know
for certain. But, what we can know for certain
is that the Republicans are now in power, and
the Democrats are now out of power!
As for Hil/Billy, we here in AR are still discovering the (60)'shallow graves'(Oops, I forgot Foster, 61)that this 'abort them or we will' couple has left in the wake of their 'reign of terror', to date.
With 'Deanmented' as party chairman and Hilly to be the 'heir apparent'candidate. I see a long cold nuclear winter coming. DNC, WHO?
Fear not, we who know you well, will keep history from the 'revisionists'.
Washington State has recently experienced the closest Governor's
election in United States history as well as the closest statewide
election in our history. The extremely close outcome has highlighted
imperfections in our system.
Governor Christine Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed are working together to gather public input on ways to improve our elections system.
Election Reform Task Force Meeting Time and Location:
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Pasco, Washington
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Columbia Basin College Student Union Building
Agenda:
Call to Order
Opening Statements - Task Force members
Election Reform Overview - Secretary of State Sam Reed
Public Comment -- Those that wish to give public testimony at the Task
Force meetings will be asked to sign in. Comments will be taken on a
first-come, first-heard basis and each speaker will be limited to two
minutes.
Closing Summary - Secretary of State Sam Reed
Adjourn
The state patrol will be on hand to provide security. All fire code regulations will be strictly enforced.
One I wish that I would have asked is; What are the NAMES of the King County poll workers who assisted, permitted, allowed, enabled, or did NOT prevent provisional ballot voters from feeding their ballots into voting machines, Wash. State law clearly states that it is the responsibility of poll workers to prevent such Illegal activities. These persons should be identified and prosecuted according to current state law.
I would like to hear SOS's answer.
Posted by: Terry, Clark C on February 15, 2005 09:41 AMWhile I was driving to work this morning, my "Talk Show Radio" jumped out of the dashboard and began to attack me. Following this attack, I marched right on down to my local RadioShack and demanded answers!
Posted by: flexnfx on February 15, 2005 02:02 PM