DAVE ROSS

What’s the prospect of Gov. Jay Inslee running for president?

May 6, 2018, 7:17 AM

jay inslee, governor, president...

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, walks with Gov. Jay Inslee, center, during a visit hosted by Inslee as they participated in meetings discussing the governor's proposed tax on fossil fuel emissions. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

There are quiet rumblings that Washington state Governor Jay Inslee is planning a run for president.

RELATED: Seattle mayor wants congestion pricing

DJ Wilson with Washington State Wire came up with a scenario suggesting Gov. Inslee could be testing the waters.

Wilson points to Inslee’s recent travel schedule. It includes a trip to Switzerland earlier this year, where he spoke on several panels, including one on climate change hosted by Al Gore.

As the leader of the Democratic Governors Association, Inslee also continues to build fundraising infrastructure, according to Wilson.

Those are two key indicators that Inslee may be laying the groundwork for a presidential run, Wilson says.

But what would make Gov. Inslee a compelling candidate?

Shortly after the Parkland school shooting that once again reignited the gun-control debate, Inslee distinguished during a meeting between the president and other governors. After declaring that teachers don’t want to carry weapons, he told President Trump we need a little less tweeting, a little more listening.” It’s an example of how the governor is stepping up both literally and figuratively, Wilson says.

Of course, Inslee wouldn’t be alone. The Hill previously reported there are more than 30 potential Democratic candidates who could run for president in 2020. Though it may be a long shot for Inslee, Wilson says few people have a better record in the field of environmental policy and climate change.

The question then becomes do the majority of Americans want to vote for a candidate whose main message is about climate change?

RELATED: How to make a carbon tax work in Washington

Wilson says not so fast.

“Ask Donald Trump if it takes a majority of Americans to get to the White House,” he said.

All it takes is “a hardcore group of folks” who are committed to a politician and set of issues to get someone in office, Wilson says.

Though he adds that we shouldn’t speculate who will win the primary in a few years, Wilson believes Inslee has a path forward if he chooses to run.

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What’s the prospect of Gov. Jay Inslee running for president?