The Board of Trustees of the AGC of Washington voted to endorse former Senator Dino Rossi for Governor.

The Board’s April 14 vote concluded a comprehensive decision-making process that included multiple membership meetings, analysis of the candidate’s policy positions, in-person interviews of the two major candidates and frank discussion among the Board of Trustees.

“The construction industry has much at stake in the 2008 gubernatorial election,” said AGC President Steve Barger. “Governor Gregoire is a good partner with regard to transportation. However, on balance we believe Senator Rossi will be supportive of a broader range of industry issues. In addition to emphasizing infrastructure investments Sen. Rossi will improve the business climate through a more customer-service approach among state regulators and a greater balance with regard to labor/management issues.”

The AGC Board believes a Rossi Administration will ensure that state agencies will conduct operations and adopt regulations in a more collaborative manner.

“Senator Rossi is an entrepreneur, and that resonates with our members,” said Barger. “He has a business inclination and is a fiscal conservative who will restrain the overall growth of the state budget.”

“We have a tremendous amount of respect for Governor Gregoire,” Barger added. “We have worked well with her on some important issues, but in Senator Rossi we have someone with both a business background and an exemplary legislative track record. We are pleased to endorse him for Governor.”

The AGC of Washington has posted video statements from both Senator Rossi and Governor Gregoire on its website. They can be found at www.agcwa.com.