How to put Dino Rossi's newfound populism to the test

Seattle Times political blogger Dave Postman wrote about hints that Republican Dino Rossi might try a more populist tack in his 2008 campaign for governor. Postman cited Rossi's campaign announcement indicating that "big business" was part of the "crowd that has controlled state government for a generation does not intend to give up power without a fight." That crowd also includes Gov. Christine Gregoire, who, he implies, is in the Big Boys' pocket. If Rossi is serious about fighting to get our government back from corporate interests, more power to him. Brilliantly, there's a timely chance for Dino to show us he means it. Dominic Gates reports in yesterday's Seattle Times that Boeing essentially screwed the pooch (parts problems and delays) with its plan to farm out the the 787 Dreamliner to a network of global suppliers. As a result, the company has announced that the next Boeing plane might be built by "concentrating major partner factories at a single manufacturing supersite." Engineering too. That, Gates writes, sets the stage for another race to make it worth Boeing's while to have the supersite located in Washington, or else risk losing it altogether. You've heard this before. In 2003, the state's political establishment was nearly unanimous in consenting to a multi- billion dollar gift of tax breaks, pork and public subsidies to keep Dreamliner assembly here. That taught Boeing a major lesson: extortionate demands work. Or as Boeing VP for business strategy told Gates, "The state and everybody responded beautifully." Clearly, they expect another "blowout" benefit package from Olympia. So, Dino, you supported Boeing pork the last time around. Will you this time? Here's your chance to demonstrate your populist bona fides, distinguish yourself from Gregoire, and stand for conservative principle. So please answer this question: "When it comes to the next Boeing giveaway, what would Gov. Rossi do?"