And what would happen if Governor Chris Gregoire were to give up all the power and glory, free government housing (and an $8 billion state budget nightmare) to join the Obama Cabinet or something equally cool? 

Here’s how it would work:  Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen, a conservative business Democrat and longtime legislator from Shelton, would move into the Governor’s Mansion (after the Gregoires and their cute doggie moved out, of course.)  And the way current law is written, he could have a pretty lengthy bit of incumbency.  He wouldn’t have to face the voters until 2010, since this statewide office isn’t on the short list of offices than can be on the ballot in an odd-numbered year like 2009.

State Senator Joe McDermott sponsored legislation this session to allow a gubernatorial election to take place this year if this scenario perchance played out.  The bill, SB5728, got out of committee, but didn’t pass the full Senate.  It’s true that lawmakers could always create a special election sooner than that.  Democrat  Gregoire, BTW, is highly regarded by the Obama crowd, but is widely expected to stay put, at least until later in her new four-year term.