Washington, D.C. – Democratic Governors Association Chair Gov. Joe Manchin (W.Va.) today congratulated Gov. Chris Gregoire on winning the Washington Governor’s race. Though most of the ballots in Washington are mailed in, the early numbers are such that a Gregoire victory is clear.

“Chris Gregoire has won this race and we have increased our majority tonight to twenty-nine Democratic Governors, the greatest number since 1994,” Gov. Manchin said. “Chris has been an effective leader and put Washington on sound financial footing, even in these difficult economic times. Her forward-thinking vision and record of progress explain why she won this race.”

DGA Executive Director Nathan Daschle said, “We are elated that Governor Gregoire secured a second term and we have increased our majority of Democratic Governors. Helping to re-elect Governor Gregoire was the DGA’s number one priority this year, and her victory tops off what has been a tremendous night for Democrats.”

The Governor has inspired thousands of Washingtonians in a massive grassroots effort. In fact, more than 7,000 volunteers made more than 2 million phone calls and knocked on nearly one million doors. In the final few weeks alone, volunteers called more than 600,000 and knocked on 250,000 doors.