Gregoire to extend fund raising freeze

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today that she would not personally raise any money, nor would she begin her official campaign for re-elecion until after she has completed the signing of all bills for this legislative session. Current rules disallow lawmakers from raising money during the legislative session, but there is a twenty day window afterward where the Governor may fundraise while still signing bills. Some see that as a loophole, and her Repubilcan challenger Dino Rossi recently called on her to voluntarily extend the contribution freeze.

Still, the AP article covering this news included the following caveat, in which she reiterated, "it’s legal for her campaign organization to solicit on her behalf, beginning the day after lawmakers adjourn next week. She says that decision hasn’t been made yet."