DGA plays role in anti-Rossi group

WASHINGTON -- The Democratic Governors Association, a Washington, D.C.-based organization dedicated to supporting Democratic incumbent governors and challengers, is one of the main groups behind today’s launch of an independent group attacking Washington State Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi.

The group Evergreen Progress says on its website that the DGA is among its top five contributors. A spokesman for the DGA confirmed that it had given Evergreen Progress $250,000.

As PolitickerWA.com’s Bryan Bissell reports, the three hard-hitting television advertisements Evergreen Progress have begun airing, focusing on Rossi’s record on children's health care, prescription drugs and a patient's bill of rights. Rossi, a former state Senator, is challenging Democratic incumbent Christine Gregoire after a narrow loss in 2004.

Asked about the launch of the ads, West Virginia Governor and DGA Chairman Joe Manchin told PolitickerWA.com, “Chris has done an absolutely fantastic job. And we have supported her, will continue to support her, and will help her get her message out.”

As a 527 group, Evergreen Progress cannot coordinate its efforts with Gregoire’s campaign.But the DGA, as it has in the past, is allowed to contribute funds to third party organizations. This cycle alone the DGA has given to independent groups in races for governor in North Carolina and West Virginia.

“We have a history of supporting organizations that promote progressive policies,” said DGA spokesman Brian Namey.

The Republican Governors Association, for its part, was quick to pounce on the ads.

“No attack ads that a bunch of special interest groups are funding are going to buy Gregoire four more years,” RGA spokesman Chris Schrimpf told PolitickerWA.com.