Rossi questions Gregoire's free-trade support

Republican gubernatorial challenger Dino Rossi doesn't find fault with Gov. Chris Gregoire's handling of trade missions, campaign aides say. But they do question why she isn't a clearer advocate for free-trade agreements — such as the one the U.S. House has tabled for Colombia.

"Christine Gregoire talks about being a big supporter of free trade, but talk is cheap when you choose partisan politics over the best interests of our state. She remained silent when called upon to publicly oppose the move by congressional leaders from her own party to delay a vote on the Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement," Rossi campaign spokeswoman Jill Strait said in an e-mail response to The Olympian last week. "This agreement is supported by Washington state businesses and farmers and is important in order for them to remain competitive."

"Dino Rossi supports free trade and understands the importance of trade to our state. As governor he will go on trade missions and do what he does best, make the sale," Strait added.

Gregoire, a Democrat, dismissed the criticism Friday and said she was trying to stay out of the politics that started with President Bush trying to fast-track the agreement through Congress. She said that was why she did not reply to a written request from Republican Rep. Doc Hastings on April 9 to intervene in favor of scheduling a House vote.

"It had already been tabled. So there is no reason for me to launch into it," Gregoire explained. "… The request was already too late for me to venture into it at all. … I'm not going to get into politics. Trade is too important for the economy of the state of Washington."

Asked if Congress should pass the agreement, Gregoire said: "I don't know. I haven't studied it."

The Colombia agreement has divided the Northwest congressional delegation with three Republican House members favoring it and Democrats divided but generally having concerns, including U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, usually a free-trade stalwart.

Locally, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, D-Tacoma, was leaning in favor of the agreement and Rep. Brian Baird, D-Vancouver, against it, according to a roundup of positions published by The Seattle Times last month. But both have concerns about protections for the labor organizers who have been subjected to violence in Colombia, The Times said.

Strait said Gregoire should support the agreement.

"Trade missions are important, but in the end we have to make sure we keep these trade agreements moving along. If we don't, it may jeopardize future trade agreements and harm our state's economy," she wrote.