04:08 PM PDT on Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Associated Press

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The legal challenge to the governor's election will go to trial on May 23.

Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges set the trial date Tuesday during a hearing in Wenatchee. He said the trial should take about two weeks.

Republicans are challenging the 129-vote victory of Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire. Republican Dino Rossi won the first two counts, but Gregoire won a hand recount.

Gregoire says she's not worried about the election challenge and she thinks it's time to move on. Rossi spokeswoman Mary Lane says she believes when all the evidence comes out, the courts and the public will agree there needs to be a new election.

Judge Bridges also scheduled a preliminary hearing for May 2, to determine what standard of proof the Republicans will have to meet to make their case.

NWCN

Former State legislator Dino Rossi is challenging Gov. Christine Gregoire's election.