Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has vowed not to seek re-election campaign contributions until after she signs all the bills passed by the Legislature this past session. 

In 2006 the Legislature changed a rule that prohibited raising campaign money for 30 days before the start of a legislative session and until 30 days after the end of a session.  Lawmakers eliminated the post-session fundraising ban because they had also moved the primary date from September to August. 

A loophole allows Gregoire to accept donations during the 20-day period when she signs bills and the state budget into law.  The Democratic governor’s campaign is accepting donations, but a spokesperson says Gregoire is not being told what, if any contributions are being made, or from whom. 

The Legislature passed 331 bills this session, and Gregoire has until April 5 to sign the measures, which include the budget and more than $300 million for new programs.  She has veto power for policy bills and she can also use line-item vetoes on individual budget items.  

Republican gubernatorial challenger Dino Rossi is critical of Gregoire because she could take advantage of the situation, and suggests that she should have implemented a self-imposed freeze on fundraising.  

Gregoire, who has raised $4.7 million compared with Rossi’s $2.9 million, says she is not soliciting contributions. 

Public Disclosure Commission records show that Gregoire raised more than $30,000 during last year’s 20-day bill signing period.