Former gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi said Tuesday he would make an announcement “about the U.S. Senate race” in a video message to be posted on his Web site, http://www.dinorossi.com, at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
The announcement of an announcement, coupled with a speech the former Republican state senator gave last weekend, is widely considered to be an indication he will enter the race.
Another Republican candidate is state Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver. Benton said Tuesday he welcomes Rossi into the U.S. Senate race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
“I look forward to debating him on the issues confronting us today,” Benton said on the eve of Rossi’s expected announcement that he will enter the contest. “We will continue to evaluate the effect of his entry into this race, but we’re looking forward to the lively debates that will ensue in this electoral process. That’s what primaries are for.”
Another Republican candidate in the field is Craig Williams, a Vancouver real estate agent and energy trader. Williams said this week that it’s unfortunate that Rossi has waited so long to clarify his plans for the race.
