Rossi stumping in Mason County

• Published September 25, 2008

Dino Rossi brings his G.O.P. Party campaign for governor to Mason County on Friday. But he won’t pick up the endorsement of state Sen. Tim Sheldon, a Democrat who endorsed Rossi in 2004 but is staying neutral this time around.

Rossi’s trip to South Sound includes stops with the North Mason Chamber of Commerce in Belfair and later a tour of the Port of Shelton. Both are in the afternoon, and Rossi should find the county a friendly place to visit.

Rossi got 722 more votes in Mason County in 2004 than eventual Democratic victor Chris Gregoire, only to lose by 133 votes statewide. In the recent primary, Rossi edged Gregoire by 573 votes, but Gregoire won statewide by 27,735 votes.

I called Sheldon today to learn what he was thinking, given that he bucked his own party to back Rossi and President George Bush in 2004. This time, Sheldon is backing Barack Obama for president because he wants change, but he’s preparing to work with whoever wins the governor’s race.

“I’m out of the race. I’m not endorsing … I’m not picking a side. I’ve learned my lesson to stay out of those things. I think politicians care more who is endorsing who,’’ Sheldon said.

“I think there are very few undecided voters out there. It’s going to be as close as it was four years ago, when you talk to people,’’ Sheldon predicted.