SEATTLE - In what was dubbed the formal campaign kickoff for Governor Chris Gregoire's re-election, likely the final piece ofGov. Gregoire greets supporters in Seattle the ignition that begin on a bus tour in Auburn earlier this month, more than 1300 people ate lunch and contributed to the campaign at Seattle's Westin Hotel. The event, which doubled as a fundraiser, charged between $100 for a "Silver Level" ticket up to $2800 to be a "Chris' Crew Member". Free tickets were also available to supporters unable to donate at the silver level.

But yesterday's fundraiser luncheon was very different from any of the bus tour kickoff events, highlighted by local dignitaries and a short stump speech by Gregoire before hopping back on the bus and on to the next town. This time the speech was revamped, video screens flanked the stage with images of Gregoire with the Dalai Lama and a new campaign video, and the dignitary came from out of state in the form of New Mexico Governor and former Presidential candidate, U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary Bill Richardson.