We wish Gov. Jay Inslee well on his presidential campaign.
Washington reaps benefits if the governor can be a viable contender for the Democratic Party nomination. Inslee is an effective cheerleader for our state and sharply articulates what a wonderful place this is to live; there is no downside to sharing that message with a national audience.
On top of that is the presumption that most state residents agree with Inslee’s policies. He was elected in 2012 with 52 percent of the vote and re-elected in 2016 with 54 percent.
But as Inslee prepares for the initial Democratic presidential debate this week, there are some slight drawbacks to his candidacy that should be addressed.
One is the fact that taxpayers are footing the bill for increased security during Inslee’s campaign. An extra $3.4 million has been earmarked for the Washington State Patrol in the two-year state operating budget to provide protection while he is on the campaign trail. Inslee has noted that state law requires the WSP to provide security when the governor is out of the state, saying in April: “The law doesn’t have exceptions for what activity, whether it’s going to a ballgame or church or a national park. That law is being followed.”
The issue is not the added security, but who is paying for it. The Inslee campaign should reimburse the state for the use of extra troopers and engender some goodwill back home.
Also in question is Inslee’s ability to effectively govern the state while campaigning in Nevada or Iowa or participating in a debate in Miami. This, in truth, should not be an issue. The Legislature has adjourned until next year, diminishing the need for having the governor close at hand. And in the era of instant communication, it is not difficult for Inslee or any other state official to be accessible or to keep abreast of what is going on within Washington’s borders.
Like any other CEO, it is reasonable for Inslee to occasionally conduct business by phone. “I can prove that I’ve done this job and will continue to do so,” the governor said when asked about the issue in announcing his presidential bid.
But while Inslee’s presidential campaign has generated minor controversies among voters, it has had a more significant impact among Democratic elected officials throughout the state. The governor has said that if his run for president fails to quickly gain traction and results in an early exit, he would consider seeking a third term as governor in 2020.
That has created a bit of a traffic jam among Democrats. Attorney General Bob Ferguson and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz have indicated an interest in running for governor — if Inslee is not in the race. Solicitor General Noah Purcell likely would run for the attorney general position and state Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, might seek the public lands spot if the incumbents are not in the race.
When Inslee decides whether to maintain his presidential campaign late in the process or seek another term as governor, it will have a domino effect. The 2020 election is more than 16 months away, but the dominos are being aligned.
This probably is of more interest to political junkies than to average voters, but it will help shape the future of the state.
So, as Inslee shares the Washington story with the rest of the nation, we wish him success while also hoping that he decides sooner rather than later about running for a third term as governor. But then, we are political junkies.
