Maybe it's a coincidence; maybe it's the influence of the commercial construction industry - but a poll released shortly after the AGC hosted an event for Dino Rossi shows the gubernatorial candidate taking a slight lead.
The latest Strategic Vision poll, taken Sept. 14-16, shows former Sen. Rossi receiving 48%, Gov. Gregoire 46%. Rossi's lead is within the poll's margin of error, but the result is similar to other polls that show a shift from Gregoire's summer advantage to a very close race, with perhaps a small advantage for Rossi. Three of four polls released in September showed Rossi leading. Last week's Rasmussen poll had Rossi leading Gregoire 52% to 46%. Before that, an Elway poll gave Gregoire a 49.1% to 42.4% lead over Rossi. The first poll of September by SurveyUSA gave Rossi a 48% to 47% lead over Gregoire.
Sen. Rossi spoke to dozens of AGC members at a Seattle fundraiser. To see photos from that event, click here. In addition, AGC members recently participated in events for Rossi in Bellingham and Yakima.
Sen. Rossi and Gov. Gregoire recently squared off in a debate before the Association of Washington Business's Policy Summit. The debate is being broadcast at various times on TVW (including Wed., Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.). Visit TVW for its complete schedule. Following the debate AWB joined AGC by endorsing Rossi for Governor.
For a complete list of AGC-endorsed candidates, visit Election Central on the AGC's website.