Rossi: A Republican in a Democrats Clothes

Republican Dino Rossi has built his gubernatorial campaign on the conservative bedrock of smaller government and fiscal responsibility.

But other cornerstones of right-wing politics are practically invisible in his effort to persuade left-leaning voters to choose him over Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire.

In fact, Rossi opposes – with a few caveats – abortion, gay marriage, gun control, government funding of embryonic stem cell research and the further expansion of gay rights.

But you’d be unlikely to learn that from his speeches, campaign Web site or TV ads.

When pressed, Rossi frequently prefaces his answers with, “I’m not running on this issue,” though in most cases he states his position.

Get more on this story and find out exactly where Rossi stands at seattlepi.nwsource.com.