AP

Dino Rossi

OLYMPIA, Wash. - Republican Party leaders say they have only one candidate for governor next year and that is Dino Rossi. So far Rossi has said consistently that he will decide later this year and only after consulting his family.

The well-off real estate broker lost by 133 votes in a double recount the Democrat Chris Gregoire in 2004. Since then Gregoire has recovered from the low ratings that persisted during Rossi's highly public but unsuccessful court challenge to the vote count. In addition, she is benefiting from a growing economy with an increase in jobs and a $1.2 billion dollar cushion in state spending.

Despite speculation about other potential GOP opponents, state Republican Chairman Luke Esser says Rossi is the one. Esser says Rossi's reluctance to commit to the race is motivating party activists to prepare for the race - and to do whatever they can to get him to say yes.