Welcome to my LIVE coverage diary of the decision announcement in the gubernatorial election challenge filed by Dino "Saur Loser" Rossi and the GOP back in January 2005.
The judge has just announced his decision - AND WE WIN!!! The election of Christine O. Gregoire as Governor of Washington State will be upheld!
This is a HUGE win for Democrats, both statewide and nationally...it's clear now that the GOP did not meet the high standard set by state law and reiterated by the judge that was neccesary for them to win their case.
UPDATE: Dino Rossi has just announced, in a news conference at his headquarters, that he will not appeal Judge Bridges' decision to the state Supreme Court. So this is the end of the election contest. It's officially over, and Washington State can move on. Christine Gregoire is safe.
Take a moment to celebrate today, especially if you are a Washingtonian. Do something special with progressive friends. We've won a hard fought battle thanks to our perserverance and determination.
Join the celebration - please post a comment below the fold to let us know your thoughts.
Updates will be posted right here, INSTANTLY. Be sure to keep continually pressing your F5 button (or hit REFRESH) often so you can get the latest updates. You can find local coverage at
Pacific NW Portal as well as
our blog.
[9:00 AM] Still waiting....
[9:02 AM] Court has reconvened. Here we go, everybody. Courtroom looks pretty full. Most seats seem to be filled.
[9:03 AM] Judge is going over housekeeping matters...
[9:05 AM] Judge is making his introductory remarks....Judge is bringing up closing statements....he says the voters are in the right position to bring about a remedy.
[9:06 AM] It's up to voters to send a message, Judge Bridges says....he says the Supreme Court is in good position to review what he's done.
[9:07 AM] Judge is now getting to the decision....he says he has bad news for clients.
[9:08 AM] Judge is reviewing the history of the gubernatorial election....
[9:12 AM] Still reviewing history of the case...
[9:35 AM] Sorry, everyone. I lost connection to dailykos and could not connect to the server. I just got back in here...still been following the decision. It doesn't look good for the GOP at this point. The judge is explaining his methodology.
[9:37 AM] CONCLUSION TIME: Judge says the judiciary should excercise restraint...."unless an election is clearly invalid, when the people have spoken their verdict should not be disturbed by the court..." ..... Oh, this is looking good for us.....
[9:39 AM] CONCLUSION TIME CONTINUED: Judge is going over Washington Administrative Code to reiterate election rules..."The court concludes...that voters who improperly cast provisional ballots should not be disenfranchised...."
[9:41 AM] CONCLUSION TIME CONTINUED: THIS CASE IS DEAD....JUDGE HAS REJECTED FRAUD CLAIMS AND GOP'S STATISTICAL ANALYSIS....WE ARE GOING TO WIN TODAY!!!!!!
[9:44 AM] JUDGE: PETITIONERS' (GOP'S) EXPERTS TESTIMONY IS "NOT HELPFUL" .....HA!
[9:44 AM] JUDGE: COURT IS MORE INCLINED TO BELIEVE THAT GREGOIRE WOULD HAVE PREVAILED UNDER STATISTICAL ANALYSIS THEORY.....HE'S AGREEING COMPLETELY WITH THE DEMOCRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[9:50 AM] A HUGE DEFEAT FOR REPUBLICANS....JUDGE EXPLAINING RULING FURTHER...BURDEN OF PROOF WAS ON PETITIONERS TO PROVE THEIR CLAIMS THROUGH CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE....and they have failed!
[9:52 AM] Judge: "Fraud cannot now be claimed...." "With respect to proportional deduction, the court concludes an election such as this should not be overturned because a judge picks a number....this is [unwarranted] judicial activism..."
[9:54 AM] Certification of Christine Gregoire as Governor should be CONFIRMED.....Judge is finished.
Way to go, Washington State Democrats!!!!
NEWS STORIES:
I. Judge upholds Gregoire's election (P-I)
II. Judge rules in favor of Democrats (King 5)
III. Seattle Times: Judge upholds Gregoire's election
Fellow Kossacks:
As you can tell, this decision is quite exciting for me. I have been following this case so closely...those of you who have read my LIVE trial diaries know this...and I cannot express my feelings right now. I feel happier than I've ever felt over the last six months. I've been down but working hard since Bush [cough] won reelection, but now...I feel pure joy.
Christine Gregoire is safe. Washington State is safe from sore loser Dino Rossi until at least 2008.
Well, Rossi has decided to bow out. He's basically said that the state Supreme Court is stacked against him, so he sees no point in continuing his election contest. I just hope the people of Washington see the judge's decision and then realize who Rossi is and what he stands for.
In any case, this is all over. Election 2004 is finally concluded.