Should Dino throw in the towl?

Our interminable governor's election race continues. Today we asked if Republican Dino Rossi (won the election and the first recount) should concede to Democrat Christine Gregoire (won the second recount) or fight on in the courts. Aside from those alternatives listeners suggested flipping a coin or splitting the term, each serving two years.

Dan We can do it like the we did the witches back in the day. We light them both on fire, and the one that comes out alive is the TRUE governor of Washington.

Bob, Seattle I voted for Gregoire. But as I see it, Rossi has the legal right to pursue the election as far as the law allows. Given the closeness of the election he has the incentive to do so. Once the legal questions have been taken as far as they can go, one candidate or the other should concede.

Michael I believe that both candidates should use every legal means they can. All this legal action of the close election means that the system is working and will work itself out. However, I believe that without a runoff we will never truly know who got the most votes.

Syl, Central Area What are the reasons that the Republicans allege that some votes were unfairly rejected? When the Dems were alleging the same we knew many specific details. We don't know the details upon which the Repubs. allege that votes were illegally or unfairly rejected. Can you tell us this?

George What I'm surprised about is the lack of interest in WHY we have an election this close. I've heard that this is the closest election in American history, certainly Wa. history. What are the political forces that lead to a state so closely divided?

Virgil Regardless of who our next governor is, let us not forget that Ron Sims is responsible for the mess. Had he urged his primary (democratic) voters to switch their support to Chris G. after she beat the pants off him, the present situation would not exist.

Mia Seattle I'm a high school senior watching this election closely. I couldn't vote, but I supported Rossi. The first count was not good enough, and neither is the second count. The margins are to small to declare a winner. I know it takes more time and money, but I believe we owe it to ourselves to make sure all the votes are counted. Why settle?

jeff seattle I don't think, as a recent caller suggested that you stop counting votes simply because there's a clock that runs out -- that only build in an incentive for people who would twist the outcome to stall. If the Republicans can find votes parallel to the King County votes -- votes that were proper in every legal requirement but overlooked or misfiled -- in King or other counties, we should *mandate* they, and all such votes (not cherry-picked or on an uneven county-by-county standard) be counted.