Rossi signs linked to BIAW

State Sen. Dino Rossi: Campaign photoThe range of the infamous pro-Dino Rossi signs seen by drivers en route to eastern Washington that say, "Don't let Seattle steal this one" will soon be expanding, and on the dime of a familiar player in the gubernatorial race.

When the issue first came up, the Rossi campaign told the Seattle Times that they had no idea who had put signs up and attempted to make clear that they were not official campaign signs.

Now a new story reveals their source, the Building Industry Association of Washington, is Rossi's largest third party backer. Spokane television station KXLY reports that the BIAW is spending $168,000 on 61 signs throughout eastern Washington.

The signs are meant to imply that the 2004 gubernatorial election was stolen by Gov. Chris Gregoire and her King County supporters.

"It's unfortunate now that her opponent is seeking to divide the state, putting up signs that actually attack Seattle and its citizens, and we believe the state deserves better," Gregoire communications director Debra Carnes told KXLY.