GOP still looking for a candidate (for WA gov) | Seattle P-I

Tuesday, August 12, 2003

GOP still looking for a candidate
Retired Microsoft exec Herbold rules out bid for governor

By NEIL MODIE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Retired Microsoft executive Bob Herbold became the third prominent Republican yesterday to rule out running for governor, a 2004 race already crowded with big-name Democrats.

Herbold's decision puts the GOP spotlight on state Senate budget chairman Dino Rossi, the only other well-known Republican pondering a possible candidacy.

Rossi yesterday sounded deeply ambivalent about running for governor and in no hurry to make a decision, which he said he probably will make "within the next couple of months." He reiterated his desire to run for Congress from the 8th District if Republican Rep. Jennifer Dunn were to step aside next year or later.

Herbold, 61, who is married to King County Republican Chairwoman Pat Herbold, said in a prepared statement that running for governor would not have been "a good match to my experiences and interests" and his desire to devote more time to family and business commitments.

More at the Seattle Post-Intelligencer

What's funny though, is a somewhat prominent Republican IS running for governor, Federico Cruz, yet Vance completely dissed him recently promising us a Herbold run!