Rossi speaks to state GOP convention

Gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi told fellow Republicans on Friday they need to turn out in force for his rematch with Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire in the November election.

Rossi blamed his razor-thin loss to Gregoire in 2004 in part on some Republican voters sitting on their hands because of his lack of name recognition. Gregoire won by 133 votes, following three vote tallies and a failed Republican court challenge.

"With your help, we are going to win again," Rossi said, referring to the belief of many in the GOP that the election was stolen. "This time with a recount-proof majority of the voters."

Some early drama occurred as the state GOP convention opened Friday when supporters of defeated presidential candidate Ron Paul began chanting his name during a speech by Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash.

"Ron, Ron, Ron," they chanted, while waving signs. The state party is supporting John McCain for president, but Paul supporters want to ensure he gets as many delegates as possible at the national convention.

McCain supporters tried to drown them out until both sides quieted down.

"You are all Republicans, you are family, come together," Reichert reminded the convention.

Paul, a libertarian who favors immediate withdrawal from Iraq, had a strong showing in Washington during the GOP primary, and about 40 percent of the 1,100 state convention delegates are believed to be his supporters.

The convention will select 40 delegates to the Republican national convention in September.

During opening remarks, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers read her top 10 reasons it is great to be a Republican. The top reason: "We are the only group Christine Gregoire can't unionize."

U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings contrasted McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, who is battling Hillary Clinton for the presidential nomination.

Hastings said McCain had been a prisoner of war for five years, while Obama had barely served in the U.S. Senate for four years.

Early speakers made numerous references to President Reagan and God, but none to President George W. Bush, whose low approval ratings could be a drag on the GOP ticket in November.

Reichert noted that the U.S. is the "greatest nation on Earth." He said few aspire to "The Russian Dream" or the "North Korean Dream," but many aspire to the "American Dream."

During his speech, Rossi said that he is matching Gregoire in fundraising and attracting many new donors to his campaign.

"I did 32 Lincoln Day dinners," he said.

He blamed Gregoire for blowing a state budget surplus, raising taxes and the early release of felons back to the streets. He contended his plan for reducing traffic congestion in the Seattle area will not lead to tax increases.

"I want Washington state to be the worst place to be a criminal and the best place to start a business," Rossi said.