OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Two Democrats familiar with Gov. Chris Gregoire’s plans say she has decided that she will not seek a third term.
Gregoire is expected to announce her decision at a news conference Monday morning. The Democrats spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the matter before Gregoire’s official word. A Gregoire spokeswoman declined to comment other than to say that she will announce her future plans.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee has said that he plans to run for governor if Gregoire steps aside. Attorney General Rob McKenna announced last week that he would seek the Republican nomination.
Gregoire was first elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008.
Gregoire has spent much of this year guiding budget negotiations as lawmakers sought to fill a $5 billion budget shortfall.
