Governor Gregoire says she’s called the White House and said, thanks, but no thanks.  She’s staying in Olympia.

The governor had been touted as the next Obama choice for solicitor general, succeeding Justice Elena Kagan.  Solicitor general, sometimes called the 10th justice, is a powerful post, representing the administration in appellate court cases.  Gregoire worked with Kagan on the national tobacco settlement and is considered a favorite of the White House.

But as she’s been hinting for weeks, the governor has asked to be taken out of consideration. Her spokeswoman, Karina Shagren, told The Seattle Times:

“She explained that  she does not want to be considered, and just said now is not the right time for her or the state.”

Gregoire’s departure would have turned the governor’s office over to Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, a conservative Democrat.