His main Republican rivals will be there, but Dino Rossi is skipping a candidate forum this evening in Skagit County sponsored by Tea Party groups.

It's still early in the political year, but Rossi's low-key campaign so far has invited questions about his strategy -- and even whether his heart is really in the effort.

Since declaring his candidacy May 27, Rossi has scheduled few press events, skipped some chances to debate his GOP rivals and kept his campaign web site practically devoid of content.

Meanwhile, he has found time to speak at real-estate seminars teaching investors how to make a profit off buying and selling foreclosures.

Tonight's event at Burlington-Edison High School (just north of Mt. Vernon), is billed as focusing on constitutional issues important to conservative tea party activists.

Former NFL player Clint Didier, the Sarah Palin-backed Pasco farmer, plans to attend. So does Bellingham businessman Paul Akers. Both are campaigning as true conservative outsiders who would shake up Washington D.C. more than Rossi, the pick of the GOP establishment.

Rossi spokeswoman Jennifer Morris said he had a "family conflict" tonight.

Asked whether Rossi plans to debate his GOP rivals at all this summer, Morris emailed a noncommittal statement: "Dino Rossi is ready to meet voters across the state and looks forward to opportunities to do so."

Washington's Top Two primary may give Rossi the chance to adopt the classic aloof frontrunner strategy: avoiding debates that might only draw attention to rivals and riding his name recognition into the general election.

Didier consultant Kathryn Serkes took a shot at Rossi's stance. "I find it particularly odd that somebody who lost his last two statewide elections wants to pretend he is the frontrunnner or act like an incumbent," she said.

Last month, just after he declared his candidacy, I asked Rossi whether he'd participate in any debates with Republican rivals before the primary. He was clearly more interested in putting the focus on incumbent Democrat Patty Murray.

"There is no Republican primary. There is no Democratic primary any more. It's been wiped out," Rossi said. "I would like to be in situations where I can compare and contrast with Patty Murray."