For all the consternation among local GOPers about their three-decades-long exile from the governor's mansion, it is perhaps useful to note that Olympia might not look quite so blue if we elected our governors during non-presidential election years. That little boost of Democratic turnout every four years can make all the difference, Governor Rossi might tell you.
And yes, I know it's been 18 years since a Republican has won a US Senate race here too, but Maria Cantwell's one mid-term election was against a weak opponent during the Big Blue Wave of 2006, and, well, PATTY MURRAY!!!
Politics is complicated stuff!