Gov. Gregoire Wagers Washington Grown Products with North Carolina Governor

For Immediate Release: January 19, 2006

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today wagered North Carolina Governor Mike Easley that the Seattle Seahawks would beat the Carolina Panthers in Sunday�s National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game. At stake is an array of Washington products that include smoked salmon, potatoes, Yakima Valley cherries, Walla Walla wines and Wenatchee apples. Governor Easley has countered the wager with an offer of barbeque and sauce, slaw and hushpuppies, a six-pack of Cheerwine and a box of North Carolina peanuts.

�The Seahawks will not only have the �12th man� advantage at Qwest field on Sunday, I encourage all Washingtonians to show their support for our team in the days leading up to the big game,� said Governor Gregoire. �I worked with Governor Easley when we were both Attorney Generals, he is a friend, but he shouldn�t expect any deliveries from me in the near future.�

The Seahawks finished the season with the best record in the NFC at 13-3, winning home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Seahawks have a chance to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl with a victory over Carolina in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday January 22 at 3:30 p.m. The Super Bowl will be played in Detroit, MI on February 5, 2006.

�I hope to receive the Carolina barbeque from Governor Easley before I leave for Detroit to cheer on the Seahawks,� said Governor Gregoire. �I�ve heard they know their stuff when it comes to good barbeque.�

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