Michelle Obama campaigns with WA governor

Michelle Obama urged a Democratic crowd to elect leaders who will fight "for the world the way that it should be," and said that the choices for voters are clear.

Obama said that her husband, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama, and Gov. Chris Gregoire "share the same vision for this country."

"The world as it should be is the world that Barack and Chris have been fighting for their entire lives and they are doing it in a way that we haven't seen before," she said.

Obama spoke to a crowd of about 1,600 at WaMu Theater at Qwest Field. Gregoire was expected to raise about $320,000 at Thursday's fundraiser, spokeswoman Debra Carnes said.

"You already know you have a phenomenal governor," Obama said. "You guys have it pretty good. My motto is, 'Don't change it if it ain't broken.' She has not just been a phenomenal leader in this state, but in this nation."

She said that Gregoire's work on issues like climate change, health care and education are examples of change that voters are looking for.

"That's change we can believe in," she said to cheers.

Gregoire faces a potentially tough race against Republican challenger Dino Rossi, whom she beat in 2004. Gregoire won that race by just 133 votes, following three vote tallies and a failed Republican court challenge.

Gregoire told the crowd there was no difference between her opponent and President Bush.

"He's so enamored with George W. Bush, he named his dog 'W,'" Gregoire said. "I feel sorry for the dog."

The Rossi campaign did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Gregoire noted state policies on climate change, education and health care and compared that to what she said were the failed policies of the Bush administration.

"Just imagine what we could do under a partnership with Barack Obama," she said.

Gregoire endorsed Obama in February, while he was still in a tough nomination battle with Hillary Clinton.

On Thursday, the state Republican Party started airing a video attacking Michelle Obama's patriotic credentials. The video, similar to one run by the Tennessee Republican Party, showed a clip of her saying that she was proud of her country "for the first time during my adult lifetime." The video then showed women, including Republican leaders, talking about their pride in the country.

Messages left with the state Republican Party were not immediately returned.

---

On the Net:

Gregoire campaign: http://www.chrisgregoire.com

Rossi campaign: http://www.dinorossi.com