Rossi calls for Gregoire to extend fundraising freeze

Today the Dino Rossi campaigned called for Gov. Chris Gregoire to extend her fundraising until she completes the signing of all legislation.

Currently, lawmakers are barred from raising money starting thirty days before the legislative session until the end, but Rossi wants Gregoire to extend that period until she is done signing legislation at the twenty day mark following the session to avoid what the Rossi camp insisits is a loophole. 

"This is a simple case of doing what is ethical and right," said Rossi spokesperson Jill Straight in a press release. "The fundraising freeze was put into place so lawmakers would not be influenced by special interest groups while making laws. Every special interest group has a bill they care about that will be before her. Gregoire should not be able to leverage her power as an incumbent to raise more special interest money.

"As long as the governor still has the ability to sign laws, veto legislation, or use the line-item veto, then fundraising should be prohibited. Even if a loophole allows this to legally take place, Gov. Gregoire should make a personal decision to uphold the integrity of our state government's lawmaking system."