Two of the largest public rallies were staged back-to-back on the WA Capitol steps today, rambunctuous but civil affairs that gave Governor Gregoire and the Legislature diametrically opposed messages on how to solve a $2.8 billion budget mess.

The first, a sort of Tea Party sponsored by the conservative think tank called Evergreen Freedom Foundation, drew about 3,000 people, according to troopers.  The “Push Back, No Tax” rally urged a hold-the-line approach. “No more!!” they yelled.   One man carted a sign that said “I’m not your ATM,” and another sign announced “a great peasant revolt.”

Less than an hour after the first rally packed it up, a “Rebuilding Our Economic Future” rally urged Olympia to avoid cutting schools, health and human services and higher ed, by approving new revenue.  “Kids, not Cuts!!” they yelled.  The troopers said the rally had about 6,000 people.

Could be that neither side will be happy. Gregoire and the Democratic majorities say they plan a mix of cuts and new taxes.  Gregoire’s office says she’ll soon lay out a revenue roadmap to “buy back” some services that otherwise would be cut or eliminated.  Senate Democrats plan to unveil their budget later this week.