At the Pierce County Central Committee meeting a couple of weeks ago, the County Party unanimously resolved to have me write a letter to Dino and encourage him to stay in the fight for governor - in 2008. So I wrote the letter. But what an interesting confluence of events. As we are writing to Dino to say "Run, dammit, run!", a friendly letter from Dino arrives at many of our homes. The letter was short, sweet, and cordial. One paragraph in particular said:

"At some point in the future, I may call on you once again to help me rally support for the values we share. But that discussion should be saved for another time, another place, and possibly, another letter."

Sounds tantalizing. Like maybe Dino is thinking about another run for Governor. And for that I am one happy camper. But there is no certainty in the tone. So we wrote our letter to him to add some certainty. Here is what we sent to him (which now becomes an open letter from the Pierce County Republican Party to our next governor):

Dear Dino,

Personally and on behalf of a unanimous Pierce County Central Committee, I want to underscore how proud we are of your 2004 gubernatorial candidacy. You campaigned on issues and dreams in a manner that showed a depth of character, honestly and integrity unmatched in recent political history. We are proud that you are a Republican, proud that you are a Washingtonian and proud to call you an American.

We certainly empathize with the trials and tribulations the 2004 campaign brought to you and your family. It was no easy task to retain your equanimity during the mudslinging, innuendo and legal wrangling that flowed from a flawed King County “election” process. And we heartily agree with your stance that the election contest not proceed to the Supreme Court. It was a gutsy call that further highlighted a classy campaign.

That brings us to the future.

You’ve shown unrivalled political skill, character and vision. We don’t want that lost to Washington State. We fervently hope you will take up the mantle again in three years – or for another position in the interim. We will be happy – no, ecstatic -- to support your candidacy for governor in 2008 with our time, talent and treasure.

In the meantime, please feel free to visit us in Pierce County and let us know your hopes, dreams and plans so that we might help you achieve them. Because when you achieve them, Washington becomes a better place to live, work and raise a family

Once again, thank you for a stellar run for Governor in 2004. We are proud to call you one of our own.

Sincerely,

Deryl McCarty, Chairman

Now comes the cool part. I was not paying attention when I read Dino's letter to me. I read it for what was and wasn't said, what innuendo I could glean and what inference I could draw. And there it was plain as day at the bottom of the letter.

"Paid for by Rossi for Governor 2008. 15100 SE 38th Street #715, Bellevue, WA 98006-1765 Republican"

Happy day!

Deryl