Clinton proposes, Inslee accepts

While many left-leaning islanders flirt with the many eligible suiters asking for the Democratic party nomination, at least one prominant Bainbridger already knows who he wants as his president.

Jay Inslee, our man in D.C., has slipped on the ring of Hillary Clinton this week. He'll not only back her in 2008, but also get a cushy job as part of the bargain.

Seattle P-I Columnist Joel Connelly writes in his blog that Jay wants a "battle tested" president who can lead a "clean energy revolution."

It might appear Al Gore, the Democrat's 'big tease' when it comes to the '08 race, would be a more compatible fit with Jay. Wouldn't they be cute together? Mr. Apollo Energy uniting with Mr. Inconvenient Truth? Well, if Jay's going to snub Al, Bremerton's Congressman Norm Dicks doesn't mind taking his place. Even though he's not yet officially running, Norm has endorsed his old buddy Al. They go way back, apparently, from their days as rowdy freshmen in Congress.

As for Jay, he'll co-chair Hillary's energy and environment task force, along with former environmental protection administrator (and Al ally) Carol Browner.

Jay says Hillary "understands that tectonic plates need to shift in the American economy, and that we have an opportunity to both grow the economy and develop technologies to deal with global warming."

And, according to Connelly, Jay will be repaying "a major political favor."

Hillary came to Seattle in 1998 to help Jay with his campaign against Republican Rick White. She spoke to a rally for Jay, the underdog in the race, and again to a big-money fundraiser event held in Dale Chilhuly's glass studio (you know the place: where his army of underlings do the work and ol One Eye signs it). The money helped Jay trounce White and put in place a strong defender of Hillary's hubby when he had impeachment problems.

Two other Washington congressmen have also made early announcements of their presidential picks. Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat, wants Barack Obama. Rep. Dave Reichert, a Republican, is supporting Rudy "Ghoully" Giuliani, and is helping to lead a Giuliani law enforcement brain trust.